Almost 400 people took part in the 14th annual Metung Fun Run on Sunday, November 10.
This event is the major fundraiser for Metung Primary School and is supported by the Lions Club of Metung and powered by the HIIT Factory Bairnsdale.
This year ticket sales coupled with sponsorship from local businesses, resulted in a record fundraising total of more than $16,000.
“It’s an absolutely phenomenal result,” Metung Primary School principal Jim Allen said.
“One-hundred-and-thirty-four people registered for the 10km run, 99 for the 5km run, 49 for the 5km walk, and 104 in the 1km kid’s colour dash.”
Overall winners crossed the finish line with impressive times including:
– Katie Crombie – 5km run female winner: 22.14.
– Edward Wilson – 5km run male winner: 17.23.
– Penny Townshend – 10km run female winner: 37.14.
– Rob Cameron – 10km run male winner: 36.12.
The under 13 winners were:
– Simon Lynch – 5km run winner: 21.14.
– Hannah Veldhuizen – 5km run female winner: 23.35.
“This event happens every year due to a very dedicated and passionate team of volunteers. I want to thank each and every one of them for their continued commitment and expertise, which has helped to make the 2024 event one of our biggest and best ever,” Mr Allen said.
“In addition to those ticket sales, we received around $9000 in sponsorship. This doesn’t include the value of the generous donations of time and publishing space by local media outlets such as The Lakes Post, TRFM and REGFM.
“We must thank our key sponsors – the Metung Hot Springs and Metung Country Club – as well as the 34 other local sponsors and supporters, each of whom contributed to making this year’s event a success.
“A very special mention also goes out to Jarvis Norwood Constructions and the Metung CFA for their involvement. It was great that they, along with all of our other sponsors and supporters, got to see their name up in lights this year, thanks to the Classic Clashes Media Truck. This Media Truck, owned by John Douglas, is a new asset available to the East Gippsland community, which can be used for film, stream and media, and will be seen locally during summer for movies and special events.”
Special offer: From now until December 31, 2024, you can register for the 2025 event at this year’s prices. Doing so will mean you’ll be protected from any price rises that may be applied in 2025. To secure your 2025 tickets and enjoy the price freeze, go to the registration page on the Metung Fun Run website.
Much like the fun run, Metung Primary School itself has also been constantly growing and evolving. 2025 sees the reintroduction of a third class, with the school now operating a prep/grade one, grade 2/3 and grade 4/5/6 class.
The school is able to boast an art teacher, music specialist and a physical education teacher on top of the high-quality teaching of literacy and numeracy.
“Metung Primary School is the village school and as such we have strong ties with the community that fosters a sense of belonging. It is important that our students are connected to the community that they will grow up in,” Mr Allen said.
“We have amazing facilities and great people in and around the school. All these things add up to our students enjoying their time here and reaching their potential.”
