Roo Run gives back to groups that made it possible

A SUCCESSFUL Roo Run return in January is giving back more than $3,500 to local community groups who helped make the event possible.

The annual Anglesea Roo Run made its return to the Surf Coast Shire after a year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The run, organised by the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club, was a success according to organisers with 600 competitors taking part in the 2022 race.

A portion of the funds raised from registrations has been injected back into the community by way of a handful of groups who assisted on the day.

“The Roo Run is a community-oriented event,” event organiser Michael Collins said.

“Each year, the funds from registrations are diverted towards the Yacht Club’s facilities, as you can see with the new clubrooms, which we have fundraised for over the last eight years.

“But each year, we love to give back to the different community groups that help make the Roo Run possible.”

Recipients include the Anglesea Men’s Shed ($500) , the Anglesea Lions Club ($500), Anglesea Primary School ($1,000) and Surf Coast Trail Runners ($1,500). The Anglesea Motor Yacht Club also donated money raised to go towards the Anglesea Rubbish Rangers ($150).

The Roo Run is now into its eighth year and will continue encouraging community groups to get involved.

“It is a case of local people helping the local community,” Mr Collins said.

“We are lucky that we get a big tourist trade, and these groups are the ones that support the event during the summer, but these recipients run all year round so it’s good for them to be able to have the money to put towards things that they need during the year.”

The Anglesea Roo Run’s two primary sponsors in 2023 will be Great Ocean Road Real Estate and Anglesea Community Bendigo Bank.