May 20, 2015
The more than 400 runners and walkers who left Murgon Showground for a 7km stroll on Sunday morning weren’t only testing their fitness … they were also showing their support for Reconciliation and Cherbourg’s Ration Shed Museum.
This is the second year that the Reconciliation Fun Run has been held between Murgon and Cherbourg.
Last year was hailed a big success when more than 300 people took part; this year organisers were starting to get worried about a fortnight out when less than a hundred people had registered online.
But they need not have worried, by the time 8:00am ticked over on Sunday there were about 420 runners ready to go, including 70 who registered on the morning.
Wakka Wakka Elder and Ration Shed Museum management committee member Bevan Costello launched the day with a Welcome To Country.
And then the runners took off … a stampede heading to Cherbourg, followed by a more sedate bunch of walkers, including several people pushing prams.
Along the way, there were several “reviver” stations handing out free water bottles and orange slices.
First across the line in Cherbourg was Billy Bishell, 13, from St Edmund’s College, Ipswich, part of a team of seven runners entered by the school’s cross-country coach Craig Cronin.
Second over the line was Orlyn Fisher, 15, from Murgon.
Last year’s winner, Floyd Aubrey, 12, also from Murgon, came in 13th (but admits he could have gone faster if he hadn’t walked part of the way).
First adult over the line was Craig Kapernick, from Cloyna, who was also the First Adult Male prize winner in the 2014 run.
The three special guest athletes who took part – hurdler Shannon McCann, body builder Rhonda Purcell and sprinter Larissa Chambers – were all beaten home by many of the other runners but as Larissa emphasised afterwards, she prefers 100m sprints to 7km runs!
After the fun run finished, there were heaps of activities in the park opposite The Ration Shed Museum, including games, face-painting, miniature horse rides and jumping castles for the children.
Entertainment included traditional dancing by the Barambah Dancers, a performance by the Proston Line Dancers and live music on stage.
Adults and children alike had a go at playing Reconciliation Trivia to test their knowledge about Aboriginal issues.
The Ration Shed Museum was also open for visitors, and over in the Sports Auditorium, Sam Saif (soccer), Andre Moore (basketball) and Nev Paulsen (cricket) held a series of mini-workshops.
The main aim of the run is Reconciliation – it is sponsored by Reconciliation Queensland – but it is also a fundraiser for The Ration Shed.
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2015 Cherbourg Reconciliation Fun Run Winners
The three special guest runners – Shannon McCann, Rhonda Purcell and Larissa Chambers – presented the Fun Run prizes to:
- First Over The Line – Billy Bishell
- First Male Adult – Craig Kapernick
- First Female Adult – Raj Begeda
- Fastest Boy (Secondary Student) – Billy Bishell
- Fastest Girl (Secondary Student) – Riley Priaulx
- Fastest Boy (Primary Student) – Trent Aubrey
- Fastest Girl (Primary Student) – Christine Watson
- First Senior Male (60 years & over) – Norman Harwood
- First Senior Female (60 years & over) – Angela Clarke
- Best Dressed Individual – Charles “Bubbles” Speedy (the runaway bride!)
- Best Dressed Team – Southern Cross Catholic College
- Most Courageous Effort – Alana Purcell
- School Prize (Most Entries) – Cherbourg State School
- Encouragement Award – Lawrie Douglas
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More Fun Run Photographs
(Click on each to expand)
