WITH the goal of raising more than $100,000, the Coffs C.ex-sponsored Coffs Harbour Running Festival is on track to increase participation by 50 per cent this Sunday.
Organised by Coffs Harbour Rotary Club, the festival is expected to host more than 3000 entrants pounding the pavements and pathways of Coffs Harbour over six distance categories.
These include: HQB Marathon (42km); PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon (21km) to the Baringa Private Hospital; a 10km Fun Run; Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run/Walk; Key Community Group 3km Fun Run/Walk, and the Healthy Communities 1km Fun Run/Walk.
All races start and finish at the Coffs Harbour Showground, which provides a central hub for runners, spectators, volunteers and the community.
The courses have been designed to showcase Coffs Harbour while keeping runners on relatively safe and scenic pathways.
The marathon and half-marathon take runners through some of the city’s most recognisable areas, including along the coastline and the Jetty precinct. The shorter events provide flatter, more accessible courses around the Botanic Gardens and Coffs Creek Walkway.
“We tried to make the courses enjoyable for experienced runners chasing a time, while also making them welcoming for people who may be doing their first organised running event,” Event Director Keelan Birch said.
Coffs Harbour’s Citizen of the Year, Mr Birch hopes the runners finish the day feeling like they were part of something bigger.
“Of course, we want the races to run safely and smoothly,” he said.
“But the real dream is to have thousands of people – runners, volunteers, families, spectators and local businesses – come out around Coffs Harbour to create a great atmosphere and showing what our community can achieve and raise as much money as possible for local community organisations.”
Spectators are encouraged to come out and watch the action around the Showground, along the Jetty precinct and through the various sections of the course.
“The Jetty is probably one of the best places to watch,” Mr Birch said.
“You’ll see runners from the longer events coming through and there is usually a great atmosphere.
“We’d also encourage people to be mindful of the road closure from 6am to 8:30 am at Orlando Street bridge and follow the directions of traffic controllers and volunteers.
“The event involves a lot of moving parts, so a little patience from motorists and residents makes a huge difference.”
What started as a local running event in 2011 continues to grow into a major community event for Coffs Harbour and the organisers are grateful to have the sponsors, volunteers and thousands of supporters be part of it.
By Andrea FERRARI
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