Paul Smith, Nathan Johnston and Nathan Shoemark at Stanwell Park Beach. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Plans are in place to make the Burgh2Beach Fun Run an annual event after more than $10,000 was raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW.
More than 290 enthusiastic runners enjoyed cool conditions on Sunday morning for the 8km fun run.
The race started in Helensburgh and worked its way through Otford and past the Bald Hill lookout before finishing at Stanwell Park Surf Club, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way.
The event was the brainchild of Helensburgh resident and sight-impaired athlete Nathan Johnston.
‘‘We had a great turnout from the community ... the community has been behind it from the start,’’ Mr Johnston said.
‘‘It will definitely be an annual event, hopefully have the road open a bit longer next year so we can allow people who want to walk, such as mums with prams, to take part.’’
The first runner across the line was Michael Elliott of Glenbrook, who finished the course in a time of 26 minutes 38 seconds. The first female across the line was Alisa Bateman of Thirroul with a time of 29 minutes 32 seconds.
The run mirrors another Helensburgh to Stanwell Park fun run that took place in the early 1980s which followed a similar course.
Mr Johnston, fresh from taking part in a 200km tandem bike ride to raise money and awareness for cancer research, completed the course in around 40 minutes.
The inspirational athlete, who has just eight per cent of his sight, is now making plans for the Port Macquarie Iron Man and other events, but already has designs on making next years Burgh2Beach bigger and better.
Mr Johnston said the Motor Neurone Disease Association was the chosen charity because some of the committee members had friends who had died from the disease.
They plan to support the association again next year.
More than $10,000 had already been raised with organisers hopeful the final tally would be around $12,000.
