THE DEB Rielly Run for the Kids was a great success on Sunday with about 230 participants, mostly from the local district, the introduction of timing and a half marathon helping boost numbers from 160 last year.
After a scorcher in 2024, milder weather played its part.
Deb Rielly was a highly regarded community member who started the event, then known as Keeping Kids on Track.
It was renamed in her honour after she passed away in 2019, Dalyston Football Netball Club, which had always been involved in the run, then taking charge of it before a COVID-induced hiatus.
“We were happy with the way it went,” Magpies committee member Frank Angarane said of Sunday’s action.
“It was great to see competitive runners in amongst families and kids, all out there to enjoy the day,” he observed.
Funds raised will contribute to Dalyston Football Netball Club’s junior program as well as causes close to Deb’s heart that will be determined by her family, with which the club remains highly engaged.
“That might be a scholarship or helping a kid or family,” Frank said by way of example.
As far as the Magpies are concerned, the funding will be a tremendous help in facing the expenses entailed in providing more junior opportunities.
“We’re highly focused on developing our junior program,” Frank said, stressing the club won’t exist without juniors.
The increased opportunities have included more grades, such as the introduction of an under 14 mixed footy team last season.
Bill Barry won the Men’s Half Marathon, edging out Davin Field by just 13 seconds, Anna Cardillo triumphing over that distance in the women’s competition just 16 seconds ahead of Nagiska Mayes.
Matt Walkerden was the winning male over 10km, his time of 00:38:06 just ahead of Mitchell Dorling’s 00:39:50, Michelle Harris the best of the women over that distance in a time of 00:48:38, well ahead of the female runner-up Claire Jobling.
Jesse Lumby was the quickest male over the 5km distance despite competing in the category for those aged 15 to 17, beating home a couple of considerably older runners, Claire Hunt the fastest female over that distance.
Caroline Beischer got the better of the men over 2km to win in a time of 00:08:45, Benjamin Rielly next best in 00:09:10.
All up, it was a great day, the event sure to continue to grow in support while maintaining its strong family focus.