Record turn-out for Australia Day fun run

A record field of more than 500 entrants took to the surrounds of the Leschenault Inlet and Bunbury CBD to compete in the annual Teede Realty- Discount Auto Parts Australia Day Fun Run yesterday.

A last-minute influx of almost 100 pre-entries, as well as hundreds more walk-up starters on the day, ensured that a new benchmark number of participants was reached.

Race director Allan Whitfield from the Bunbury Runners Club said that the unprecedented flood of late entries had left organisers running short of race numbers to pin on contestants shirts.

‘‘We were running out of numbers (to give people),’’ he said.

‘‘We had almost 300 pre-entries, but that included a rush of about 95 after the closing time.

‘‘It put a bit of pressure on us on the morning, but it’s great to see so many people getting out and having a go.’’

Amid perfect morning conditions, Perth’s Rafael Baugh was the first man across the line in the 10km category in a time of 31m49s, while the first woman in that category was Bunbury’s Rosemary Giles in 43m38s.

Prominent local racewalkers Gary Hastie and Lyn Ventris gained men’s and women’s line honours in the 5km walk.

In the 5km run, Janelle Jurgenson was the first female to finish in 19m 38s, while Cody Angell won the men’s category with a time of 15m37s.

Angell, who migrated to Perth from North Carolina last year, was not just celebrating his win yesterday but also his first ever Australia Day.