So popular was Sunday’s City2City RunWalk for Albury Wodonga Health, organisers ran out of race bibs by the time registrations closed Saturday afternoon.
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More than 1000 people registered in the 48 hours before the event, which saw a record 4516 people enter one of the three categories – 10km, 7.5km fun runs and the non-timed 7.5km walk and talk.
The event raised an $110,000 for the Albury Wodonga Maternity Unit and Special Care Nursery.
It was the third City2City but the first time a purely social category was held attracting entries aged from 4 weeks to 82 years old.
“We tried to create an event that caters to all abilities, that’s very accessible and has got something for the people who want to break their PBs and run a really fast 10k, or those who want to contribute and be a part of a big community celebration,” organising committee chair Michelle Hudson said.
“That’s what we’ve achieved with the walk and talk. That was a new event this year and it was probably our largest event, we had more people registered in the walk and talk than the other two categories.”
Warrnambool’s Tom Hynes was the first 10 kilometre runner across the line in 31 minutes and 59 seconds, finishing about 40 seconds ahead of last year’s winner Michael Hoskings (32.40).
In the open women’s category Japanese runner Airi Tanaka (36.29) crossed first, and fifth overall, almost five minutes ahead of Wodonga’s Kim van Kalken (41.30).
Tanaka, who is studying in the region, said she loved the Border and the event.
The 7.5 kilometre open male event was won by Wagga runner Billy De Bruyn (24.47) while Thurgoona’s Belinda Ralph (29.11) was the open femail winner.
Runners headed west along Albury’s Dean street during the mass start before making their way to High Street Wodonga, via Noreiul Park and Sumsion Gardens.
Ms Hudson said the fast growth in popularity of the event was a thrill for organisers, volunteers and Albury Wodonga Health.
“The money will be used to help pay for the refurbishment of the nursery and patient rooms, improving facilities and amenities for both babies and parents,” she said.
