Vol. 19 No. 45
FREE PUBLICATION
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Australian Editorial Award 2016
SUCCESS: Wimmera riders are making their way up Victoria’s equestrian ranks after tasting success at state level. Morgan Lane, left, and Morgan Lord are grade four state champions following stellar results at Pony Club Victoria Inter Zone Teams Horse Trials State Championships. Story, page 15. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Run with the Wind P
BY DEAN LAWSON
lans combining Ararat Wind Farm’s expansive road network with a major municipal promotion are set to establish Ararat as a distance-running and fun-run capital of western Victoria.
Ararat Rural City Council is shoring up plans with an interstate promoter and other stakeholders to present Victoria’s first Run with the Wind multievent festival. Run with the Wind events, designed for a broad cross-section of runners from elite competitors to casual funrunners, are growing in popularity in NSW and the Ararat plan is to tap into the success. Ararat council tourism and community information manager Julie Kilpatrick said the event, scheduled
IN THIS ISSUE
for November, would take advantage of the many kilometres of hilly roads connecting wind turbines on the outskirts of the regional city. She said the expectation was that the first annual Run with the Wind festival would conservatively attract up to 900 participants, 70 percent of them from outside the region. “This is a multi-event festival aimed at providing something for the whole family,” she said. “It will not only engage locals but attract visitation from runners, families and friends from outside the area and in turn provide an economic boost to local business. “The event will be the first of its kind in Victoria, highlighting the beauty and stunning countryside of Ararat and the Grampians.” Ms Kilpatrick said the project had
emerged from council exploration into projects to support an Ararat Active Strategy. She said it had evolved steadily and the council had engaged 100 Percent Event, the group in charge of similar wind-farm runs in NSW, to develop the event. “We went looking for events to support the active strategy and came across these events,” she said. “We got in touch and they came down and did a site visit last year, meeting with council and Ararat Wind Farm representatives. “They loved the spectacular views, the ambience and how close the site was to the Grampians. They have also wanted to bring the event to Victoria. “Run with the Wind will promote active, healthy lifestyle choices in a safe and inclusive atmosphere. It will also
build community advocacy through participation and empowerment along with a platform for raising awareness about renewable energy and experiencing wind turbines up close.”
Showcase
Ms Kilpatrick said estimates were that participants would bring an average 2.65 people with them to Ararat, with people ranging from under one to over 80. “The proposal is that the event include options of a 21-kilometre half marathon, 14-kilometre challenge and five and 2.5-kilometre fun runs,” she said. “It represents a great opportunity to showcase what the region has to visitors and provide the opportunity for racing in a regional-rural area in a totally exclusive setting.
“It will also encourage participants to stay one to two or more nights to visit and explore Ararat and the region. We encourage everyone to support this new regional event.” Promoters are already working with the council and plan to work with community groups keen to get involved. “Planning is very much in the initial stages but we’ve identified November as the ideal time,” Ms Kilpatrick said. “It’s mid spring, many people have finished seasonal sporting commitments and are looking for something to do after the resumption of daylight saving. Critically, the event has the potential to evolve and grow.” Ms Kilpatrick encouraged people across the Wimmera, Mallee and the Grampians to keep an eye out for event developments.
• Ararat in danger of ‘artificial drought’ • Education feature • Football-netball action
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