Runners rise to challenge

TOP 5

CAIRNS runners were out in force as athletes young and old hit the Esplanade to raise funds for men’s health.

But the second annual Regional Running Challenge was also a contest for bragging rights.

The 4km event was held in Cairns, Alice Springs and Darwin, with the city that recorded the fastest average time named champion.

Cairns finished second behind Darwin, but regardless of the result race director Lorraine Lawson hailed the event a big success.

“We had 117 runners in the end – last year there were 45,” she said. “There were so many new faces there, which was really nice to see.”

She said the Regional Running Challenge was about encouraging physical activity as well as raising money for a worthy cause. A portion of the entry money will be donated to Blue September, an international charity which this year aims to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to help with the early detection of prostate cancer.

“The money is put towards men’s cancer research, which is always good to make people aware of,” Mrs Lawson said.

“It was a community event, and people were happy to come along and do something.”

Saturday’s race was taken out by local runner Luke Currie, a worthy winner according to Mrs Lawson.

“He’s a wonderful kid who always volunteers to stay behind and help pack up,” she said. “He ran well and I was really happy for him.”

Emily Drummond won the ladies’ race and finished third in the overall challenge.

This year’s event was hosted by Dynamic Running.

Pictures: BRENDAN RADKE TEAM EFFORT: Ella Appleby, running with her father Neville Appleby, was the first junior runner to cross the finish line at the Regional Running Challenge. 1. Luke Currie - 14:58 2. DavidVon Senden– 15:41 3. Emily Drummond– 15:45 4. Peter Saggers – 15:485. Ella Appleby– 15:56

IN THEIR STRIDE: The Regional Running Challenge, which pitches competitors from Cairns against runners from Darwin and Alice Springs to crown the fastest city, was won by Luke Currie (above).