CREATING a community event is a bold endeavour that calls for resilience, but founders of Adventure South, Samantha and Geoff Van de Lustgraaf are up for the challenge. Together they are sharing their passion for the outdoors and encouraging others to keep active with a new community event in Inverloch, which they hope will become an annual favourite.
‘The Sands Invy Fun Run’ is launching on January 5 and registrations are open until 11.59pm on Saturday, January 4.
The family-friendly community fun run has three different events: a two-kilometre, six-kilometre and nine-kilometre trail, catering for all ages and all fitness levels. The youngest registered participant so far is four years old.
“The Sands Invy Fun Run is all about getting active in the community,” said Samantha.
“The two-kilometre course begins at The Glade, Inverloch. The first 80 meters is through coastal scrub with a firm packed track that leads directly onto the beach. From here, you'll run along the beach towards Pensioners Point, picking your own line. The turnaround point will be clearly marked for your return run to The Glade.”
The six-kilometre course will follow the same trail, participants will run along the beach towards the Surf Life Saving Club, again picking their own line. The turnaround point is just prior to the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC).
“You will also find an aid station here with water, fruit, and some lollies to keep you going on your run back to The Glade and onto the finish line,” Samantha explained, noting they are working closely with Bass Coast Shire Council to ensure the hooded plovers are protected during the event.
The nine-kilometre course also begins at The Glade, Inverloch heads along the beach and towards the SLSC.
“You will also find an aid station (prior to the SLSC) before your run back along the beach to the Yacht Club boat ramp. At the top of the Yacht Club boat ramp, you'll turn left onto the path back towards The Glade and continue to the foreshore footpath.
“From here, you'll run along the foreshore footpath and turn around just after the Ayre Creek footbridge. Once turned around, you'll run back towards The Glade, turning right at the rotunda and back onto the beach. The last kilometre is along the beach towards the finish line at The Glade. The path will be clearly signed the whole way with marshals along the way.”
In true community style, the Inverloch Lions Club will be volunteering their time cooking a BBQ breakfast and the Inverloch SLSC will be on site with a first aid tent in case of emergency.
This is a family-friendly event, so rest assured the kids will be entertained with Airey Fairy Facepainting, and a coffee cart will be onsite with freshly brewed coffee and slushies for if it’s a hot day.
“We don’t have a background in the industry, but what we do have is a passion for the outdoors and what initially started as a hobby in hiking, and a desire for a healthy lifestyle turned into a small business in hiking equipment hire for the town of Inverloch, also known as Adventure South,” said Samantha.
“Like most community events, The Sands Invy Fun Run can't operate without a great team of volunteers. We have a reliable group of people assisting us with the smooth running of The Sands Invy Fun Run and we hope to make this an annual event for the town of Inverloch.”
Bib collection starts from 7.45am, followed by a race briefing at 8.45am for a 9am start.
Every participant will receive a medal and an official time, but entries are limited to 250 participants with 80 registered at time of print.
There are even prizes for first, second and third finishers, and a bib drawn with local vouchers to be won.
Visit adventuresouth.com.au/the-sands-invy-fun-run and register now to keep active in the new year.