RUN FOR RESILIENCE

Bridgewater, Victoria

Sunday 7 May 2023

Bridgewater Recreation Reserve

On Sunday 7 May we held our Run 4 Resilience event in Bridgewater! We saw 300 walkers and runners enjoying a spectacular day, albeit the coldest May day in 26 years! In its second year, it was it brilliant to see so many people come together for a great day out in Bridgewater. With our youngest participant still in nappies and our oldest at 95, the Run 4 Resilience was truly a family day out.

The event is designed to provide a challenging, fun and family friendly event for the community to look forward to. In a world where it's hard to find the time and motivation to keep active, this event provided the inspiration required for the local and surrounding communities. The Run 4 Resilience also provided the community with an opportunity to get together, have some fun and enjoy the community connection especially after the October 2022 Floods.

The 21km runners set off from Inglewood as they started their journey along the Bullabul Trail. Winding their way through the bush, farmland and along the Loddon River as they made their way to the finish line in Bridgewater, whilst the event is non-competitive there were some impressive times with several runners finishing within 1.5hrs!

Competitors in the 10km enjoyed scenic run winding along the banks of the Loddon River and there was a sea of pink as the largest field took to the 5k course in Fittys 5. Fittys 5 was dedicated to the late Active Farmer Lesley ‘Fitty’ Morrison. Passing suddenly in 2021 Lesley was our biggest advocate, in helping bring this event to life. To be able to bring Lesley's family, friends and communities together in such a positive way was so uplifting and beautiful. Lesleys’ spirit was felt on the day, from the Inglewood CFA who marshalled the course, to her children's school - St Mary's Primary who cooked the BBQ - there were little touches of Lesley everywhere. Our medals this year where custom made pink cattle tags - pink being Lesley’s favourite colour and of course the Active Farmers farming touch!

Without our generous sponsors including our major sponsor Inglewood & District Community Bendigo Bank and incredible volunteers the day would not be possible. From the run to the live music and kids' entertainment (the lambs being the biggest hit), the Bridgwater Run 4 Resilience was a wholesome community event.

Money raised from this event (approximately $10,500) will be invested back into our Active Farmers network and will go toward continued support of the local Active Farmers communities around Bridgewater, and establishment of new communities. A huge thank you to all of our wonderful supporters for helping us raise much needed funds and for making this an affordable event for the whole family to enjoy.

ABOUT THE EVENT

We know there are significant benefits to both physical and mental health when we are physically fit and have a challenge to work towards. This event will also provide the community with an opportunity to get together, have some fun and enjoy the community connection. It is important to note that this event is governed by Victoria Health and any Covid restrictions that are in place at the time, and may be postponed at any time up to the actual event.

EVENTS & ENTRY FEES

Half marathon (21km*) (16 & over**) - suitable for runners only - STARTS 8.00AM - Inglewood Recreation Reserve (shuttle bus available please advise if you require upon registration) Finish Line Bridgewater Recreation Reserve.
Un/18 = $10 Open = $30

10km* suitable for runners and walkers - STARTS 9.00AM - Bridgewater Recreation Reserve
Un/18 = $10 Adults = $25

‘FITTYS 5km’* suitable for runners, walkers, kids and the use of off-road/4WD style prams are highly recommended! - STARTS 9.30AM - Bridgewater Recreation Reserve
Junior Free, Un/18 $10, Adults = $20

* distances may vary slightly to the above, some of the tracks have been damaged by floods so may not be repaired
** Exemptions for under 16 year old long distance runners may be given in the 10km & 21km events. Please contact sammy@activefarmers.com.au before registering to discuss this further.

ALL EVENTS WILL HAVE STAGGERED SELF SEEDED STARTS

IN MEMORY OF LESLEY

On the 25/5/21 our hearts where broken when Lesley Morrison tragically lost her life. Lesley was a farmers wife, a mother to three beautiful kids and a community powerhouse. Active Farmers bought Lesley into our lives 4yrs ago when she joined classes at Bridgewater. Although rather short in stature, when she arrived at class she would fill the room with her huge smile and outrageously colourful active wear! She was kind, generous and beautiful. In life she had overcome some huge battles and we where all in awe of her determination and resilience as she spent the past 3yrs recovering from horrific burns. She found a way around any obstacle and never quit. Behind the scenes Lesleys was working hard to bring our two townships together (Inglewood & Bridgewater) to deliver a fantastic ‘Run for Resilience’. No small feat, but she was so passionate about Active Farmers and wanted to share ‘it’ with everyone. And she had sneakily signed up to the 5k a week prior to her passing.

So we are honoured to announce that the ‘Bridgewater Run for Resilience’ will be dedicated to Lesley, and the 5k course will be named ‘Fittys 5’ in honour of our little Active Farmer Lesley ‘Fitty’ Morrison. Finisher medals will be hung on a pink zebra striped ribbon - representing both Lesleys famously colourful active wear and the brightness she bought into our lives.

RACE BIBS & MERCHANDISE

These are all timed events, and your race bibs will have the timing chip attached. Race bibs can be collected on race morning. Merchandise will be available on the day.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

there will be food & coffee available @ Bridgewater Rec Reserve
there will be FREE kids activities
LIVE entertainment

REGISTER HERE NOW

VOLUNTEERS

To make this event a success we rely heavily of the support of local volunteers. Volunteers will be located around the courses, providing encouragement and support to the participants as they go by, as well as providing direction and hydration at certain points. If you aren’t able to participate, but would still like to be part of an exciting day, then please register your interest by contacting Claire Harrison @ Active Farmers Bridgewater (claire@activefarmers.com.au) or on 0458 373 397!

VOLUNTEER HERE NOW

TRAILS

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES:

We will also be seeking sponsorship for this event with all proceeds to be donated to supporting local Active Farmers communities. To express interest in our sponsorship package please click below and we will send you our sponsorship proposal.

EMAIL ABOUT SPONSORSHIP