SOUP FOR THE SOLE IN THE HINTERLANDS

An impressive number of runners have braved wild weather to take part in the 2024 Elleker Running Festival hosted by Albany Athletics Club in Regional WA over the long weekend.

Conducted on Menang Noongar Country, in and around the small township of Elleker, 400km south of Perth, over 150 runners from across the state turned up to celebrate the 28^th annual event.

Unique in many ways, the Elleker Run Festival is more than just a running race. Over the last three years, the Albany Athletics Club Committee has shaped the festival into a vibrant community event that intends to attract runners of all abilities and provide an environment that is fun, supportive and welcoming for all.

Reflecting on a weekend with a record number of registrations, Race Director Carl Heslop said “Sunday’s event was a great success and allowed local runners to shine closer to home.”

“The race gives the local runners something big to run in without having to travel, and it also gives people in places like Perth the excuse to go away and run somewhere new,” Heslop said.

Despite torrential rain that cleared only moments before the start of the half marathon, the runners and large numbers of spectators gathered at the finish line to cheer each other before enjoying a bowl of the event's famous pumpkin and chicken soup.

“When I first moved into my role, everywhere I went people would talk about the soup, so if we are to be known as the half marathon with soup then great that is what sets us apart from the other half marathons.”

The event doesn’t just boast an incredible community atmosphere and delicious warm soup, it also features a fast-paced flat and picturesque course that navigates through Karri Forests and Farmland.

“After the event, I was told there was a cow out of its paddock watching runners as they went by. We are a rural run through farmland and that is what is unique about us.”

“People have already locked in for next year. It is something a lot of people look forward to each year. It is important for our region because it also gives our local runners something to look forward to and train for.”

Details for the 2025 Elleker Running Festival will be announced in the coming months.  Albany Athletics Club are currently in the midst of the Winter Season, with cross country events hosted every Sunday morning in different parts of the region with a welcoming community approach.

For more information visit the Albany Athletics Club website.

Congratulations to Albany Athletics Club and all of the participants who took part in this year's Elleker Running Festival.

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For more information on how you can get involved in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or via admin@athleticswest.com.au.

Image by Nev Clarke Photography

By Imogen McDonald, Athletics West

Posted 7 June 2024