Record 2300 runners turn out for Newcastle's Fernleigh Track fun run
A record 2300 runners competed in the Fernleigh 15 on Sunday, up 30 per cent from last year.
The fun run hit a record 2300 people on Sunday. That's up 30 per cent from last year.
The event closes the track from Adamstown to Belmont to other users for a few hours. It's the only time each year.
Event organiser Paul Humphreys said the atmosphere was strong, with elite runners competing alongside recreational joggers. Michael Roeger, a prominent Australian Paralympic long-distance runner, won the male 15km category.
Annabelle Colman and Neil McLennan won the female and wheelchair races. The event also held a children's 1500m race to introduce kids to running.
Runners raised about $15,000 for their own causes. The event will donate $10,000 to local running clubs and groups that help run it.
The track has had assaults and antisocial behaviour, so the focus on safe use matters.
- 2300 runners
- Record attendance
- 30 percent
- Year-on-year growth
- 15000 dollars
- Funds raised by runners
- 10000 dollars
- Donation to local clubs
Why it mattersGrowing community turnout and fundraising shows local backing for a shared public space; the safety focus signals coordinated effort to reclaim the track from hazardous use.
AustraliaNewcastle and Hunter communities have a popular, free meeting space; record turnout suggests trust is growing in efforts to make it safer for runners and walkers.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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