Back for its second year on 26 and 27 September, Run the Plains Moree is proving to be a popular weekend running festival in the region.
Organiser Julie Rushby is encouraging locals and visitors to head to Moree to experience community running at its best in Australia’s artesian spa capital.
“This year we have two new additions to the program – the S&L Girard Grader Hire Kamilaroi Kiddos Dash (200m for children 5 and under) and the NewPave Community K, for the more social runners,” Ms Rushby said.
“There will also be a race for those in wheelchairs or parents with prams, and sprint categories for male and female ages 6–9, 10–12, and 13–16 years, as well as an open women’s and men’s category for those aged 17–59 years.”
Ms Rushby said the final event on Friday evening will be the NewPave Community K race – a social 1km lap of the main street in Moree.
“The focus will be on spirit and participation rather than speed.”
“When entering the Community K, there is the option to join as an individual or register a team, this could be your family, colleagues, classmates, neighbours, sporting team – anything!”
“The best represented teams on the night, in terms of number, spirit, or creativity, will receive special recognition.”
“Competing in the Community K as part of a team is entirely optional; the focus instead is on having everyone hit the pavement to take part across age groups and abilities, plus this event’s entry fee will be donated to a local charity.”
Ms Rushby said the S&L Girard Grader Hire Kamilaroi K evening promises an exhilarating display of running and she urged participants to bring the whole family along to cheer on the athletes and enjoy Moree’s main street hospitality.
Balo Street will close from 5–9pm on Friday, 26 September, from the Gwydir Street to Albert Street intersections, with parking available in the adjacent streets.
Presentations for all events will be at the conclusion of the last race, expected around 8pm.
Ms Rushby said the running course on the second day, 27 September, will take competitors around Moree’s Mehi corridor and features a 3km, 5km, 10km, half marathon and “the triple” – half marathon plus 10km and 5km.
“There are time restrictions for entrants in the Inland Vegetation Management 36.1km triple event, with competitors required to finish each stage prior to the start time of the following event – 2 hours for 21.1km, 1 hour for 10km, and unlimited time to complete the final 5km.”
The Triple event will begin at 7am and is restricted to competitors 17 years and over.
The McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services Half Marathon will include three scenic laps through the heart of Moree, including a climb up Moree’s steepest hill.
“With constant crowd energy and support never far away, this 21.1km course is perfect for seasoned runners chasing a personal best time or doing their first ever half marathon,” Ms Rushby said.
The B&W Rural 10km run will involve two laps along the Mehi River with a few hills. It will begin at 9am and is open to anyone aged 13 years and over.
Saturday at 10am will see participants line up for the Grove Juice 5km event, which is great for people of all fitness levels and open to all ages.
“Some may run while others are likely to jog or power walk their way to the finish line,” Ms Rushby said.
The final event on Saturday is the C&W Financial Services 3km run, beginning at 11am.
“This short and scenic loop along the riverbank is perfect for younger runners, first timers, families, or those wanting to soak up the Run the Plains atmosphere without the longer distances,” Ms Rushby said.
“There will be some short-term road closures on Saturday morning in Albert St and Bank St to accommodate the events safely.”
On-track facilities for participants will include water, electrolytes, energy gels, first aid, and toilets.
Runners will be able rejuvenate at the finish line with free access to therapy and recovery nutrition with Alpha Omega Recovery’s mobile services, while a range of food and drink vendors will be on-site to fuel both participants and spectators.
Presentations for all events will be at the end of the last race, at about 11.30am, in the race precinct.
Competitors and visitors are encouraged to experience what is on offer in the Moree Plains, with the BAMM Gallery Regional Art Fair opening at 6pm on Thursday, 25 September, for a night celebrating regional creativity. The exhibition will continue until 18 October.
There will also be dozens of locals joining in the celebrations at the Amaroo Tavern on Saturday, 27 September, for the Run the Plains After Party.
“And of course, a visit to the Moree Plains would not be complete without a dip in artesian water, then a recovery breakfast at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre from 9am on Sunday, 28 September,” Ms Rushby said.
For information about registration, race bib collection, cash prizes, and volunteering, visit www.visitmoreeplains.com.au or contact Julie at the Visitor Information Centre 02 6757 3350.
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