Friendly vibe for Kilcunda run

MILD conditions greeted enthusiastic runners as they began the Kilcunda Half Marathon, or shorter events, on Sunday morning, with no local evidence of global warming.

Organisers were kept busy with a number of late entries, and there were around 225 participants in total over the various distances, up from 175 last year.

Even those striving to achieve a personal best couldn’t help being impressed by the spectacular scenery, as they pelted along the picturesque course.

“It’s probably the best coastal run in the state,” race director Paul Ashton said.

The event attracted people from the wider Gippsland area, with many other runners coming from Melbourne, but Inverloch-Kongwak footballer Toby Mahoney added a local flavour, finishing runner-up in the men’s 10km race.

While some aimed to reach the finish line in impressive time, just getting there was achievement enough for others.

Whatever the motivation of each individual, everyone looked to be enjoying the experience, and there was a social vibe behind the finish line as runners completed the course.

In addition to the 21-kilometre half marathon, there were 17-, 10- and 5-kilometre options, providing broad appeal for all, from the serious runner to those wanting a fun fitness test.

For Lisa Palmer of Gembrook, winner of the women’s 5-kilometre event, it was about challenging herself and having a go, previously having run seriously in her youth before life and family intervened.

She aspires to tackle longer distances including the half marathon in future. 

Kids enjoyed a kilometre-long beach run, with a sandcastle making competition adding to the entertainment, illustrating the family-friendly nature of the day.

Kiwi runners Jason Holden and Josh Giruan enjoyed the half marathon, with Jason saying a couple of ‘killer python’ lollies gave him the energy to complete the distance.

Despite the benefits of the sugary snakes, Jason carried a snake bite kit in case he encountered a less friendly reptilian variety.

He praised the beautiful Kilcunda coastline but said the undulations of the course were challenging.

While Jason finished eighth, a couple of places ahead of Josh, Josh’ battle with ninth placed Angus Henderson was a highlight.

The pair sprinted for the line, with Josh edged out by less than a second.

Although normally a casual runner, Warragul’s Olivia Sheehan went all out after seeing a poster at the Kilcunda pub promoting Sunday’s event, successfully completing the 17km distance.

While sore, she looked to have negotiated the step up in distance well.

One runner took a tumble on the 17km course, crossing the finish line in a somewhat muddy state but with her positive attitude intact.

While she required minor first aid attention the team from RemoteMed, which supports many running events, had a pleasantly quiet day.

“Most people are self-sufficient, fit and well prepared,” Noreen Krusel, general manager of RemoteMed said of the runners.

Competitors set out from the carpark area near the Kilcunda caravan park, taking in the spectacular sights of cliffs, beaches and green fields along the George Bass Coastal Trail and eventually wending their way back to the starting point that doubled as the finish line.

Running Wild was in charge of the day, with the organisation overseeing a number of other coastal and alpine runs, all made possible by willing volunteers, many themselves runners.

Distance winners:

James Barnett won the men’s half marathon in 1:31:29.3, with Gillian Turnbull the winning woman in 1:46:50.1.

Rob Thompson was the quickest over 17km, recording 1:30:26.6, while Nat Gowan was the fastest woman over that distance finishing in 1:40:13.5.

Jack Rickards (0:45:52.0) was first across the line in the 10km run, with Deb Yann leading the women home in 0:50:30.1.

Graeme Railton whipped home in 0:24:02.8 to set the benchmark for the men over the 5km course, with Lisa Palmer (0:27:20.2) quickest of the women over that distance.