Sport
19 September, 2025
Inaugural running festival brings community feel
More than 350 people from Horsham and beyond took part in the inaugural Horsham Running Festival on Sunday along the Wimmera River.
Participants competed in a choice of marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon and 5km events.
David Staehr was the first person to finish the marathon, finishing in a time of 2 hours, 45 minutes and 52 seconds, while Carolyn Vankalken led the women, finishing in 3 hours, 45 minutes and 46 seconds.
Vanessa Reed, who travelled from Lancefield to take part in the quarter marathon, raved about the experience and the support from both fellow runners and spectators.
“It was an amazing event that was really well run,” Reed said.
“The venue was beautiful, the weather put it on for us, and the competitors and volunteers were all really friendly.
“I had marathon runners encouraging me as they ran past me, and a lot of kids along the way were high-fiving.
“It felt like the community was behind everyone.
“I went by myself but I didn’t feel alone.”
Event organiser Brian Haddy said he was appreciative of the various volunteers who contributed to the event, also saying the positive turnout had motivated him to organise another event in the region.
“Very happy with 350 people for the first event,” Haddy said.
“It’s given me some encouragement to not only do the Horsham Running Festival again but to start planning an event in Dimboola.
“I met with Mark Fletcher, who is the economic manager for Hindmarsh Shire Council, and they’re keen for me to organise the Dimboola event, which is likely to be in April next year.