The countdown to Castlemaine’s Run The Maine is on with just seven sleeps to go before the big day.
Running of the afternoon event on next week’s Grand Final public holiday – Friday September 23 – marks a much anticipated return to in-person format after two years of adapting to virtual versions due to the pandemic.
“Things have picked up,” event director Gavin Krasner told the Mail as registrations gain pace for each of the three feature events – the 21.1km half marathon, 10km run, and the 5km run/walk.
“The weather looks like it’s going to be good and I’m optimistic we’ll have at least 500 participants which will be good,” Gavin says.
“The half marathon is about 55 per cent capacity.”
Featuring a VGR heritage steam train ride from Castlemaine out to the Maldon starting line, the half marathon event is a favourite among distance runners and registrations are expected to book out, while this year’s five and 10 km events both feature attractive new courses that have also been gaining plenty of interest.
“From a runner’s point of view it’s got a lot of variety,” says keen local distance runner and RTM committee member, Michael Constable who tomorrow heads off to Anglesea to tackle the Surf Coast Century 100km run ahead of next Friday’s local event.
Gavin says Castlemaine’s RTM has multiple aims in the community.
“Our primary aim is to encourage health and wellbeing in our shire,” he says.
“But we’re also showcasing the wonderful place we live in and supporting the hospital as well.”
While early bird registrations have passed there’s still plenty of time left for intending runners – or walkers – to register to take part in the event that raises funds for the local hospital – Dhelkaya Health.
The afternoon event finishes under lights at Camp Reserve with hospital CEO Sue Race telling the Mail she’s looking forward to presenting place-getters medals, after also personally participating in the five kilometre option.