The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has challenged runners to race him in a five kilometre charity fun run to raise money for the restoration of the Sale Water Tower.
Mr Chester will donate $2 to the restoration project for each person who finishes ahead of him in the Race the Rubeena Community Fun Run on the Labour Day long weekend.
“After a lazy summer, I’m not in the best form for breaking any personal bests right now,” Mr Chester said. “So, I’m getting ready to write a sizeable cheque to support the water tower restoration project.
“This is a great local initiative: it’s in the same spirit as the annual race against Puffing Billy. I hope Race the Rubeena grows to be as successful as that event.”
Race the Rubeena Community Fun Run will be held on Sunday March 11.
The timed 10 kilometre run will start at 8am at the Port of Sale and follow the bike path to the Swing Bridge, before following the same route back to finish where it started.
The five kilometre run or walk will begin at 10am at the Swing Bridge. Participants will have the chance to race against the Rubeena from the bridge to the finish line at the Port of Sale.
Race organiser Gerard Callinan said runners, walkers, families, teams and fancy dress were all welcome at the inaugural fun run.
“The course is flat and shaded, so it will be an enjoyable course for everyone who enters, whether they are serious competitors or are looking to get out and about on a Sunday morning,” Mr Callinan said.
“We are planning to make Race the Rubeena an annual event and will choose a different community cause to support each year.
“We are hoping to attract support from the local community, as well as visitors who are in the region for the long weekend.”
People who want to take part should register before the day at racetherubeena.com.au.
