A record number of participants pulled on their running shoes for the 2022 Johnno’s Run on Sunday.
The ninth edition of the event saw 220 people run, walk or wheel along the picturesque course in Echuca Moama.
That total surpassed the previous record set back in 2017, and was almost 50 people more than the last in-person edition back in 2019.
Johnno’s Run was organised by Community Living & Respite Services (CLRS) and raises money for the Opening Doors Project, an initiative that builds homes for people with disability.
CLRS chief executive officer Leah Taaffe was thrilled with how the event went.
“It was brilliant. We had 220 people participate, which is fantastic,” Ms Taaffe said.
“We are really happy that everything went well for our first one.
“The weather turned it on, too, which was massively appreciated, and we had some really positive feedback about how gorgeous the course was and the scenery and the areas people got to run through.”
This was the first time Johnno’s Run, which featured 5km, 10km and half-marathon events, has been held in Echuca Moama.
The last two editions were held virtually, with the previous events held as part of Run Melbourne.
Ms Taaffe said it was important to get to stage the even in the region.
“It’s a huge deal. Giving people the opportunity to do activities like these in their hometown is invaluable,” she said.
“We had people from Shepparton and Bendigo and even someone from Adelaide who came specifically for the event.
“We had to do everything from scratch, but it has all been worth it.”
Mel Haines and Danielle Squires were two participants on Sunday, with the duo crossing the line together after finishing the half-marathon.
The two best friends run and train together, and this was the seventh time they have taken part in Johnno’s Run.
“It was great, it was beautiful. It’s nice with the new bridge and incorporating the Murray river, it’s a good run,” Ms Squires said.
“In the past we have done it in Melbourne, but it was good to have it here — locals supporting locals, doing the run for a really good cause.”
Ms Haines said it was a great day out.
“It was well organised, congratulations to the organisers, they have done a great job, the track was fantastic,” Ms Haines said.
She said the spirit of the run was the most important thing.
“It’s not about the time that you run, it’s the people you take the journey with, and I did it with my bestie.
“It’s about running, the enjoyment and being together. It’s a community event, so it feels like you are running with all your friends.”
The fundraising total is still being finalised, but Ms Taaffe said CLRS was hoping to raise $20,000 to $25,000.