Lace up for Mount Beauty Running Festival on Saturday

EVERYTHING is ready to go for this Saturday's Mount Beauty Running Festival. Considered one of Australia's most scenic foot races, the family-friendly events expects to attract hundreds of participants of all ages, who will walk, jog or run the multiple race distances of 3km, 10km, 21km or an 18km trail run. The iconic 10.6km run and 21.1km half marathon are on a fast course - follow the sealed flat track around the Mount Beauty Pondage and alongside the pristine Kiewa River, past Pebble Beach - and do the course in the half marathon. To get further into nature try the epic 18km trail run through the best parts of Mount Beauty and surrounds. The course is the same as last year with two shallow river crossings and scenic ups and downs on a combination of 4WD and single tracks. It is a chance to be challenged, push the limits and experience an exhilarating trail run into the Alpine National Park. The 3km fun run event course is a flat sealed track around Mount Beauty Pondage, with no road crossings. Entrants will enjoy panoramic views of Mount Bogong – ideal for children and prams. Prizes of local business vouchers will be awarded to the first, second, and third overall male and female finishers in the 10.6km, 21.1km and 18km events. In the 3km event medallions will be awarded to all finishers under age 12. There is also the opportunity for students to win a prize for their school by entering a team of students and staff in the Schools Challenge Competition. Teams can have entrants in any of the four events, and points will be awarded to the top five overall finishers in each team. The team with the lowest average points wins. Schools must enter their school’s name as the team’s name upon registration. Mary Hall, race secretary and member of the event's organising committee from the Kangaroo Hoppet, said everything is set for a fun day out. "Courses are currently being marked so there should be no confusion on where to go," she said. "Alpine Timing and the race office volunteers are planning to make bib pick up as efficient as possible. "The race office will be located at the corner of Lakeside Avenue and Pool Road. "Also at this location will be toilets and showers available on the day." Ms Hall said the Mount Beauty Playgroup is back again this year running a bake sale and barbecue. "There will be a variety of food available, and all proceeds will support the Mt Beauty Playgroup," she said. "The Little Vintage coffee van will be onsite from 9am to 12pm for your coffee needs. "Special guest will be Piggy, the mascot representing our major sponsor, the Mount Beauty & District Community Bank. "He will be there cheering on participants and helping to hand out the medallions to the under 12 finishers in the 3km event." Ms Hall said the the Alpine Valley Trifecta is also back. "If you did the Bright Fun Run 18km trail race on 26 April then you are eligible to win the Alpine Valley Trifecta medal by completing the Mt Beauty Half Marathon this Saturday, and then the Harrietville Half Marathon on 12 October," she said. The start/finish area for the Mount Beauty Running Festival is at the Les Peart Oval at Mount Beauty Secondary College. Start time for the trail run is at 10am and all other events will start at 10:10am. For more info and to register visit www.hoppet.com.au.

Lace up for Mount Beauty Running Festival on Saturday

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