ABOUT 275 runners enjoyed a crisp, sunny autumn Sale morning on Sunday April 2 to participate in a 10 or five kilometre run as part of the Race the Rubeena Community Fun Run.

Many local sponsors, including Wellington Shire, support this annual community event. This year’s proceeds will support the development of a Sale Cemetery Memorial Children’s Garden. The Rotary Club of Sale members have recently been active in the cemetery, clearing and weeding the billabong area.

Rotary Club of Sale president Dr Rob McKimm said the project was close to his heart.

The 10km run began at 7.30am, with the 5km at 9am. Photo: Stefan Bradley

“As a club, we want to support the development of a calm and welcoming area for local families to remember their little ones who were taken too soon,” he said.

The 10km race was from the Port of Sale through the wetlands to the historic Swing Bridge, and back. The 5km run began at the bridge and saw contestants racing the 111-year-old vessel Rubeena back to the Port of Sale. Captain Alan Lewis had the boat looking at its best, whistle-blowing, and ready to take up the challenge.

Jordan Cowley took out the prize for the fastest male 10km runner with a time of 35 minutes and one second in the Race the Rubeena event. Photo: Stefan Bradley

Families enjoyed walking and running with their kids, along with several corporate and community teams. The crowd was kept well-fed and watered by Sale Scouts and a coffee van.

Race director Gerard Callinan described the course as “beautiful”. Likewise, it was also a beautiful day to go through the Sale Wetlands.

“They’re just an asset to the town,” he said.

“Last year the wetlands were underwater.”

The Rubeena at the Swing Bridge getting ready to race the 5km run participants. Photo: Stefan Bradley

For the third time, Jordan Cowley took out the prize for the fastest male 10km runner with a time of 35 minutes and one second. He also then doubled up to win the 5km event.

Ben Osmand was second in both events, with Greg Semmler coming third in the 10km and Benjamin Riley third in the 5km.

Vida Venez (right) completed the 5k with a time of 22.15. She topped juniors, but also came first overall among females. Photo: Contributed.

The first woman (juniors not included) over the line in the 10km was Monica Fortunaso, with a time of 48 minutes, 33 seconds, followed by Liz Kenney and Ella Ronchi. In the 5km run, the first women over the line were Kim Renooy, Angela Coleman and Susan Hill. Fast-paced running by juniors Oliver Sullivan and Thomas Kanavan saw them ahead of most of the field over the shorter distance.

10k
First male – Jordan Cowley – 35.01
Second male – Ben Osmond
Third male – Greg Semmler
First female – Monica Fortunaso – 48.31
Second female – Liz Kenny
Third female – Ella Ronchi
5k
First male – Jordan Crowley – 17.00
Second male – Ben Osmond
Third male – Benjamin Bailey
First female – Vida Venez (junior) – 22.15
Second female – Emily Kanavan (junior)
Third female – Kym Rennoy (senior)
Oliver Sullivan enjoys a drink after being the first junior runner to cross the line in the 5km race. Photo: Contributed

Mr Cowley said the races were much more difficult last year due to wet conditions.

“This year was much easier and much more pleasant,” he said.

“Last year with the floods it was a bit less scenic, so it was really nice to go through the wetlands.”

Mr Cowley will take part in the Melbourne Marathon for his 10th time in October this year.

The fun run enjoyed superb weather for friends and families to gather together for a good cause. Photo: Geoff Parrington