THE latest edition of the region’s beloved running event, the 2024 Harrietville Half Marathon last Sunday was enjoyed by a record 437 registered runners.

With various distances on offer including the 21.1km course, a 10.5km option, and shorter races at 5km and 2km, as well as some gorgeous vistas in which to complete the course, the Harrietville Half Marathon has been steadily growing year on year.

Race director Robyn Downey said this year’s event was a resounding success.

“It was a fantastic event, a beautiful day,” she said.

“We had twice the number of entrants that usual, so for a little town like Harrietville, it was just a massive event.

“We ran out of medals because we had so many people participate on the day.”

The event raises funds for the Harrietville Primary School, with a portion going to the Black Dog Institute this year.

A new record was set by Joe Wesley, who completed the 21.1km course in 1:19:11.3, with Laura Gillard the first woman across the line in 1:23:48.9.

Tom Russell (45:43.8) and Jenna Spence (46:48.9) took top honours in the 10.5km event, Josh Spence (19:12.0) and Carmello Perri (22:18.5) came out on top in the 5km race, and Zack Dickeson (8:02.3) and Bianca Perri (9:04.5) were first back in the 2km course.

In a first for the event, four generations of one local family, the Castricums, participated.

The quality of runners who enter the event is a testament to how well the event is coordinated and the beautiful scenery on offer to runners.

Downey said a highlight was having vision-impaired participant Peggy Soo once again complete the 21.1km run.

“We had a blind participant, Peggy Soo, guided by a local runner Suzie Price, who has trained as a running guide for low vision or blind runners,” she said.

"Peggy just loves it; she can hear the Ovens River as they ran alongside it and the guide describes the scenery and terrain.

"We also have Erin Nightingale as a runner for low vision/blind participants.

"It's a very smooth path, very beautiful to run on.”

Downey wished to thank all sponsors, committee members and participants who helped make the day so successful.

“We have 48 volunteers from the community; we couldn't do it without them,” she said.

“We have sponsors from Mount Beauty and particularly Bright and Harrietville - they are very generous, without them we couldn't do this event.”