Willaura ready to run – again

Organisers of the Willaura Farm to Pub handicap footrace are preparing for another bumper crowd in 2019.

The race will return to its usual Sandy Lane location on Old Joyce Farm for its 16th year, on February 23.

Organising committee member Heather Fleming said the committee expected a similar number of entries to last year’s field of about 200.

“We would love to see as many people as possible,” she said. “It’s a good way to keep fit and active, and it’s social as well.”

The race’s titular pub – the Willaura Hotel – closed down in 2017, but Mrs Fleming said a ‘pop up pub’ at Willaura Recreation Reserve would return after its successful introduction last year.

In addition to the main 16-kilometre handicapped race, there will be categories for people of different ages and abilities.

There will be a 16-kilometre ride, an eight-kilometre run, an eight-kilometre ride and five-kilometre walk. Registrations for the race close on Monday, February 18 at 10pm.

People can still register after the deadline up to an hour before the race in all categories, but will not receive an official time. An entry fee of $15 for adults and $5 for children under 16 will support the Willaura Recreation Reserve and other community groups.

Buses will ferry competitors out to the starting lines for each event, with the finish line at Willaura Recreation Reserve.

Mrs Fleming said there would be plenty of family activities, including the opening of the Willaura Pool and a jumping castle at the recreation reserve. There will also be powered and unpowered campsites available for people wishing to stay overnight.

Mrs Fleming said the committee was still looking for extra volunteers to help run the event.

“As organisers we’re always happy for more people to get involved,” she said.

“We would welcome anyone who wants to lend a hand, whether it be as a timekeeper or any other role.”

There will also be a raffle in support of mental health charity beyondblue. The main prize is four tickets to a 2019 AFL preliminary final.

Mrs Fleming said anyone wanting more information could visit the event website at www. farmtopub.org or call her on 0428 541 328.