Geoff Watt Memorial next month

This year’s Geoff Watt Memorial fun run has been set down for Sunday, November 4.

Entering its 48th year, the Geoff Watt Memorial is the longest running fun run in Gippsland.

People can enjoy a fun day out with family and friends, running through scenic countryside and enjoying a barbecue afterwards.

There are four different courses, with the 2.5k off- road (along the athletics track and fitness trail) a great event for families to do together.

There will be lots of prizes for the children and young athlete encouragement awards for both boys and girls from under nine, under 12 and under 15 age groups. The 5km course is relatively flat. It starts at the athletics track and turns at Warragul Country Club on Tarwin street, where there will be a rehydrate drink station.

The 10km and half marathon courses continue on Pharaohs Road and Dollarburn Road, making its way through undulating scenic farm land.

Sponsors will provide a free gift pack for all participants.

One of the special guests this year will be former Australian champion and Commonwealth Games representative Michelle Baumgartner.

Geoff Watt trained under the famous coach Percy Cerutty, who trained Herb Elliott and John Landy at Portsea. They ate a very healthy diet with oats and natural foods.

“As my Dad said on his way to coming 10th in the Boston Marathon to a journalist from the Boston Times ‘horses eat oats, so I’ll eat oats and fly’,” event organiser Kathy Watt said.

“Michelle has a degree in nutrition and has written a book on health, wellness and diet and will write some nutrition tips in the lead up to this year’s Fun Run.”

“Indeed they were ahead of their time in regard to a clean, organic diet, very similar to what I write about and focus on in my coaching,” Michelle added.

This year’s Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run has chosen to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

The McGrath Foundation raises money to place specialist McGrath Breast Care nurses wherever they’re needed, providing invaluable physical, psychological and emotional support from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment for free.

Discount early bird entries for the Fun Run are available until October 14.