History made

HISTORY was made in front of more than 500 people who had laced up to traverse the 5.92-kilometre Terang and District Lions Club’s Noorat to Terang Fun Run and Walk last week.

Milestone: Noorat to Terang Fun Run and Walk 2025 event ambassador Dean Saunders was presented with a trophy and cap by members of the Terang and District Lions Club and Corangamite Shire mayor Kate Makin.

The Terang and District Lions Club have hailed this year’s event as a success following one of the highest numbers of entrants in years and the addition of the event’s inaugural 700 metre all abilities race.

“We were very pleased.” Terang Lions Club member Stephen O’Connor said.

“The inaugural all abilites race was a big focus this year, and we worked hard to get it going.

“You never really know how these things will go, and we think it might take a year or two to really get it going, but it was well worth it.

“It really was well received and the support we got from the community was wonderful.”

The Noorat to Terang Fun Run and Walk has enjoyed a steady increase in participation over the past few years, in addition to drawing larger crowds of viewers excited to support the runners and walkers as they cross the finish line.

“The run itself is not backing off,” Mr O’Connor said.

“To have 500 runners and walkers, plus around 30 taking part in the all abilities race, is the best we’ve had in quite a while.
“It was a beautiful night for it.”

The numbers received a welcome boost from first-time runners, with feedback indicating those taking part in the event for the first time are excited to return in the coming years.

“It’s a nice course, there was a bit of a headwind, but the fact there are multiple winners shows how many are coming back,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Tom Hines won this year and it marked his fifth win.”

Among the highlights of the night was a presentation for Terang’s Dean Saunders.

Corangamite Shire Council mayor Kate Makin, fresh off participating in the run herself, presented Mr Saunders with a special trophy and cap celebrating his role as this year’s event ambassador.

As Western District Newspapers reported in January, Mr Saunders was selected as this year’s ambassador to mark 40 years since he his father, Gary, pushed him through the event in a wheelchair.

Mr Saunders was seen as the perfect candidate to serve as ambassador this year not only to celebrate his milestone, but to celebrate the long-awaited return of the all abilities race.

“Dean’s presentation was something everyone was rapt with,” he said.

“It was great to see his nephew, Ollie (Guthrie), be able to push him during the race

“That was a really nice touch.”

Mr Saunders took a moment to show his gratitude for the support he had received from the wider community.