Hitting the road for mental health

IT’S time to lace up for a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit in the heart of wine country with registrations now open for the 2025 Coonawarra Running Festival.

Get ready to be part of one of the Limestone Coast’s most vibrant community events which is returning on Saturday, November 8, at Coonawarra Park.

Registrations are now open for this year’s festival, which features a range of running and walking events for all ages and fitness levels.

Depending on your chosen distance, you could find yourself winding along the scenic rail trail, passing the famous Coonawarra Siding and Blue Tree, and soaking up the sights of vineyards and grazing land. Event routes are available online.

Racing categories include:

Penola and District Community Rodeo Half Marathon (21.1km)Casella Family Brands 12.6kmBP Nangwarry 6.3km – MenWynn’s Coonawarra Estate 6.3km – WomenCoonawarra Running Festival 1km (Prize money eligible for ages 10 and under)Ray White Wobbly Winery Walk (6km walk/run/wobble with tastings at six iconic cellar doors – perfect for team bonding, end-of-season sporting club celebrations, or festive fun!)All races offer prize money (excluding the Wobbly Winery Walk, where every participant receives a commemorative wine glass).

But it’s more than just a race — there’s a full day of festivities for the whole community to enjoy:

Market stallsFood and drinkLive music and entertainmentA Show ‘n Shine car displayChildren’s activities and a Mini Fun RunThe Coonawarra Running Festival is also proud to support a meaningful cause as it shines a light on mental health awareness, with proceeds funding Youth Mental Health Awareness sessions in local schools, delivered by the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

Last year, free sessions were offered to students at Penola High and Lucindale Area Schools and this year Millicent High and Naracoorte High Schools will benefit.

There shall be some mental health services present on the day to highlight the services available.

Register today via www.coonawarrarunningfestival.com.au and take advantage of early bird pricing.

Want to be involved another way? They’re also taking applications for market stalls, Show ‘n Shine entries, and volunteers — visit the website for details.

For more information email: [email protected]