Eve Lamb
With hundreds of runners already limbering up for Friday’s long anticipated Run The Maine, organisers have their fingers crossed for ideal conditions.
“We’re on target to raise at least $15,000,” event director Gavin Krasner says ahead of the multi-distance afternoon running event happening this Friday’s Grand Final public holiday.
Since Run the Maine’s inception, it’s raised over $170,000 for Castlemaine’s local hospital but has had to resort to virtual format over the past two years due to COVID.
Now many are itching to get out and tackle one of the three featured distance options in person.
“This year our target is to donate a BiPAP machine for use in the hospital’s operating theatres,” Gavin says.
“It is a form of non-invasive ventilation therapy used to help facilitate breathing.”
He says online registrations are currently holding solid, but are expected to pick up pace between now and the starter’s gun.
RTM appeals to runners ranging from weekend joggers to seasoned half marathon practitioners with feature events including the 21.2 km half marathon, new 10km Walmer State Forest loop and the five km walk/run that features a new route taking in Castlemaine’s Gingell Street and the botanical gardens.
Among those planning to participate in the 5km walking option is CEO of Castlemaine hospital and Dhelkaya Health, Sue Race, who will also be presenting placegetter badges at Camp Reserve where the event will end under lights.
“I’m keen to do the five k walk,” Sue says.
“I did the virtual walk last year and my daughter and I walked around Lake Daylesford a couple of times so I’m really keen to do the walk this year.
“We really value the partnership with the Run the Maine team. It promotes health and wellbeing, which is fantastic within itself, but also the camaraderie that comes with people who come together whether they walk or run the half marathon.
“And the support that Run The Maine provides the hospital in terms of fundraising that goes to a priority piece of equipment that we need to deliver care to the community.”
