Organisers of this year’s Run the Maine are preparing for a big bounce-back after two years of virtual running of the popular event that raises significant funds for Castlemaine’s health service.
Be quick if you want to compete in this year’s half marathon, is the advice of event director Gavin Krasner ahead of RTM’s in-person return.
There’s a few exciting changes in store for the five km and 10 km courses as well. Tickets went on sale back in May and Gavin says they’re hoping for the biggest turnout yet for the distance running event that’s locked in for Friday September 23.
“We want to make this the biggest and best we’ve ever had,” he told the Mail this week.
“We’re aiming for 1000 plus participants … and the half marathon will sell out.”
After two years of virtual formats due to COVID, organisers are keen to see RTM return to in-person running in a big way.
And to encourage people to snap up an early bird ticket they’re offering a tasty incentive with the chance to win a night’s accommodation in a luxury local BnB and the option of a second night stay at half price.
“The new 10 km course is particularly brilliant with a wonderful section through the Walmer forest,” Gavin says.
“And the five km event will take in the botanical gardens again and it’s a super-flat, super-fast and super-inclusive course.”
Aussie world champion mountain runner Simone Brick returns also as event ambassador after debuting in the role last year.
Brick is this month set to visit the ‘Maine to appear in a special series of promotional and informative videos being made in the lead up the event.
The video series will see the champion runner visit on July 17 for the series of eight short videos to be made –- also starring RTM’s much-loved mascot, The Bird aka Dr Richard Mayes.
“We’ll be making a series of eight little videos featuring The Brick and The Bird with tips about things like hydration, pre-race warm-up routines and race-day nutrition,” Gavin says.