It was perfect running weather for the Barwon River Run, with almost no wind and a cool but not cold temperature for the start. We had a great turn-out this year with many young runners as well as families, school groups and clubs.

Our Barwon River Run always has a relaxed family feel and wonderful camaraderie and cheer amongst the runners, and this year was no exception. All the three distances proved popular and the pace for all distance winners was very impressive.

Nobody who knows him was surprised to see Ken Walker win the 12 km event by a couple of minutes, while the 18km male winner, Luke Morrissy surprised almost everyone, including our lead cyclist, by sitting back in the field for a while before surging forward towards the end of the race.

There were some great performances from young runners:  the womens’ 12 km event was won by Georgia Reupert Allen, who is under 18 years of age; and in the 6 km race, 3rd position for both male and female were young runners: Jack Shembrey, in the 15-17 year age group, and Megan De Klerk, who is under 15. Guy Marcucci, only 12 years old, put in a tremendous performance in the 18 km race.

The course is a favourite with Geelong residents and comprises a scenic, peaceful track around the Barwon River, amongst the gum trees, with an accompanying chorus from the multitude of bird species along the way.

Runners from the Asian leg of the World Harmony Run were in attendance, on their way from Auckland to Kazakhstan via Adelaide and Melbourne, so many of the runners took the opportunity to run with the World Harmony Torch along the route.

Congratulations to all participants and thank-you to every one who ran or walked and to their friends and family who came out to support.