Fundraising festival a huge success

ALMOST 400 participants took part in the 2025 Coonawarra Running Festival earlier this month with $51,000 raised to support mental health initiatives in the region.

The stunning fundraising tally was made possible by the generosity of sponsors, participant registrations, Show ‘n Shine, market stalls, raffle, online auction, barista coffee and food and drink stalls.

The festival has already funded Youth Mental Health Awareness Sessions facilitated by Breakthrough Mental Health Research, delivered to students at five local secondary schools and if your school would like to host a free session/s in 2026, please contact the Coonawarra Running Festival team.

In terms of the running, it was the Staehr family that were the stars of the day.

David Staehr won the Penola and District Community Rodeo Half Marathon for the third time, finishing in 1:18:20, while Jackson Staehr was the first male home in the 6.3 km Nangwarry BP event with 26:18 and Zoe Staehr was the first female in the 1 km race, clocking 3:57.

Other local runners to impress were Hamish Gleeson – 1:24:18 and Simon Weinberg – 1:25:12 finishing second and third in a competitive half marathon field of 94 competitors and Melissa Rick was the first female in the half marathon with a superb 1:29:15.

Other winners included:

• 12.6 km Casella Family Brands event: Ryan Lucas – 48:34, Nikki Smart – 51:34
• 6.3 km Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate event: Simone Fisher – 29:48
• 1 km: Flynn Turner – 3:24

The Ray White Wobbly Winery Walk was certainly a success with participants enjoying a relaxed 5km stroll with tastings at six cellar doors and a commemorative glass, including a group utilising the free bus service from Mt Gambier.

The Show ‘n Shine, coordinated by Jeff Pahl and his band of helpers, attracted 60 vehicles, drawing strong public interest and plenty of votes for crowd favourites. .

The highlight event for the day was a mini fun run which saw around 30 children race across Coonawarra Park, while there was also plenty of other entertainment including live music by Lady and The Amp, performances by Air Intensity, a petting zoo and children’s activity tent.

The organisers were overwhelmed by the exceptional support from the community, volunteers, sponsors and participants—making the 2025 festival a tremendous success.

The 2026 event is set down for November 7 so keep an eye on the Coonawarra Running festival socials and website for updates.