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Register for news updatesGVRT Hosts 600 Runners for Marathon
The Mansfield end of the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) saw over 600 competitors lining up for the 4th Mother’s Day Marathon on 11 May. Five different course lengths – from the full marathon to a 2 km run – provided plenty of options for runners of all ages and experience levels.
The organiser, Mansfield Athletics Club, raised over $10,000 for women’s cancer research. Volunteer-run Friends of the GVRT joined other community groups to ensure the successful running of the event which really showcases the multiple uses of rail trails.
“The beauty of the rail trail is that allows us to run an effective event without impacting road traffic” said race director Liam Delany. “The compacted gravel surface is also really good, plus it’s a relatively flat course, so it’s easier on the body compared to similar events on bitumen or concrete surfaces”.
Emily Hill ran 3:38.44 to win the women’s marathon, with Lauren Scott and Tarryn Elvish close behind to take a share of the $1,800 prize money. Somali-born Melburnian Abdi Rhoble took out the men’s marathon in a strong time of 2:32.26 followed by John Clark and Tomas Franklin who were only 9 seconds apart and both just dipped under 3 hours.
The 2 km Primary Challenge had over 70 runners which was arguably the race of the day with every child receiving a finishers medal as well as the top three in the U8, U10 and U12 categories getting a trophy.
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Celebrating RTA’s Volunteers
26/05/25
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