Race day for the Born To Run Festival is fast approaching and it is shaping up to the biggest event ever for this small town running event.
Held annually on the Saturday of the October Long Weekend, the trail running festival offers the opportunity for both locals and visitors to the area to run on the trails inside the historic Portland Cement Works, now known as The Foundations.
The festival was established by local Personal Trainer and Portland business owner, Andrew Neville back in 2017. He recently reflected on how far the event has come in the past 9 years.
“That first year I think we had maybe 20 competitors across three races. We started and finished on the local footy field and it involved running the streets around the old Cement works”.
The festival began to grow in 2019 when The Foundations approached Mr Neville and offered the opportunity to take advantage of the trails inside the historic site.
“To suddenly be able to offer a trail running race in the middle of town, moving through a significant part of Portland’s history was a wonderful opportunity. Once we navigated the Covid Shutdown periods, we have come back bigger and better each year and seen considerable growth”.
Last year was the first year the trail running festival sold out, and Mr Neville expects a similar situation this year. “Entries close on September 30, but I wouldn’t wait until then to register. Last year a few people missed out on an entry. This year we have increased the field size from 120 to 150 to accommodate more participants, keeping our focus on safety and offering the best experience for runners and walkers alike out on the trails.
Mr Neville acknowledges the backing of the local business community who support the festival each year through sponsorship, “Without them we wouldn’t be able to financially put the festival on. I am truly grateful to all my sponsors”.
The local business owner is also quick to mention his valuable team of volunteers too, “I am a sole trader, it is just me in the business. My wife and myself spend countless hours preparing for the festival in the lead up to race day, but as it (the festival) has grown, we have had a wonderful team of volunteers led by Brooke, come on board and put up their hand each year to help before the event and on the long weekend itself.
It is a wonderful team effort that ensures we can offer a family friendly trail running festival on runnable trails right here in Portland. It really is a great example of community”.
The Born To Run Festival offers 4 races: Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km and 2km Kids race. Enter at www.borntorunfestival.com.au with entries closing 30th September, unless sold out earlier.
Mr Neville would like to thank the Born To Run Festival Sponsors:
- Gold – Portland Pharmacy; Zig Zag Brewery; Portland Bakery; Studio B Animation
- Silver – Williams Waste; Bowyer & Livermore; Health & Fitness Supplies Australia; Wallerawang Community & Sports Club; Portland Concrete & Excavation
- Bronze – Valley Concrete Art; Portland RSL; Family 4 Physiotherapy; ANT Fitness
- Event Supporter – Tablelands Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy; Damian Wallis
