By Eleanor Wilson
Cardinia Shire locals tightened their laces and secured their race numbers at Deep Creek Reserve on Sunday morning, as they battled unsavoury weather for the 2023 Cardinia Fun Run and Walk.
Operating at a new location for the first time since Covid, the 22 October event saw 120 registrations across the 10km run, 5km run and 5km walk.
The fundraiser saw almost $4500 raised for The Cardinia Foundation, which works to provide grants to local community groups across Cardinia Shire.
The Cardinia Foundation executive officer Kara Norton-Jones said the not-for-profit was honoured to be chosen as this year’s charity recipient.
“The Cardinia Foundation appreciates Aligned Leisure choosing us as their charity to support in this event and to all the participants that braved the wind and rain to complete the course,” Ms Norton Jones said.
“These funds will help to grow our community chest that contributes to our ongoing grant rounds that supports and helps the Cardinia community survive and thrive.”
Cardinia Leisure manager Paige Kristalyn said the fun run was a great display of community spirit.
“The energy and commitment from the participants and the team running the event was electric, given the weather conditions,” she said.
“We are so pleased with how the event ran, and look forward to being bigger and better in 2024.”
Pramesh Prasad from Pakenham took out the 10km section in lightning time, finishing the course in under 40 minutes.
Fourteen year-old Kale Stubbs surprised the crowd to take out the 5km event.
