DRAWING more than 2,000 runners from across NSW and beyond, Sunday’s Coffs Harbour Running Festival was the largest running event ever held in the local area.
It also played host to the city’s first ever marathon.
From 94 starters, Sam McAllister took out the inaugural 42.2km race, crossing the line in a time of 02:46:50.
Lachlan Webber came second in 02:50:04 and Joel Digney third in 02:57:50.
Tarina Lake was the first female across the line in 03:18:21, followed by Kristy Randall in 03:36:12 and Clementine Eaton in 03:37:35.
In the Half Marathon Dan Stein was first male in 01:11:54, second was Logan Baxter in 01:13:46 and third place went to Isaiah Koopmans in 01:16:54.
Meg Dougherty was the first female with a time of 01:22:49, followed by Olivia Weimer in 01:25:40 and Hannah Lampe in 01:26:59.
In the 10km run for men, Joseph Hein was first with a time of 00:35:02, ahead of Kyle Mcintosh (00:35:12) and Benjamin Lambert (00:35:32).
In the female 10km, Nicole Feain won with a time of 00:38:00, followed by Macie Mcdermott (00:40:00) and Belinda James (00:40:49).
Hugh Morgan won the 5km run for men with 00:20:31, ahead of Angus Morgan (00:20:32) and Daniel Kelly (00:20:43).
In the women’s 5km, Brigitte May won with 00:21:52, followed by second place Madeline Ham (00:23:12) and third place Ava Magarey (00:24:28).
The men’s 3km was won by Nixon Nelson (00:11:47), Charlie Chiswell (00:11:50) took second and Max Ross (00:12:19) was third.
Amelia Harrigan won the women’s 3km with a time of 00:12:30, in second was Emma Sandes (00:13:26) and third was Emerald Fidge (00:13:43).
Organised by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour, the festival raised a record-breaking $90,000 for local charities, including Coffs Coast Autism, CanDo Cancer Trust Life Education, Early Connections, Mid North Coast Disabled Surfers, the Run Beyond Project, and more.
“This year’s festival was our biggest yet, with over 2,000 runners and an incredible atmosphere at the Showground,” said Event Director Keelan Birch.
“We’re proud to support local charities and grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and community for making it all possible.
“Congratulations to all participants and heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who made this incredible event possible,” Keelan said.
The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour thanked Mr Birch for his calm attention to detail and smooth management of the event, referring to him as “the driving force behind the Running Festival”.
For full results, visit coffsrunfestival.com.
By Andrea FERRARI
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