Local athletes take to Australind Foreshore for SWAS annual fun run event

Local athletes took to Australind Foreshore over the weekend to participate in the South West Academy of Sport’s annual fun run. SWAS’s eighth annual event, the run aims to raise money for the academy’s sporting program as well as inspire teamwork, fitness and community spirit. With more than 300 participants, racers competed across three different events, a 5km and 10km run and 5km walk with an additional 2km junior race for younger children. With just 23 competitors across all divisions, the 10km race was hotly contested, Ryan Bailie took first overall in the senior male group with a quick 34:10 run, well ahead of second-placed Kenny Moore who came in at 41:16. Next up was junior winner Taj Zanella, followed by female victor and fan favourite Hannah Paget. By far the most popular event of the day was the 5km run which saw a variety of serious and casual runners taking part. Taking the podium for the juniors were Thomas Cross, Dylan Scott and Luka Vane for the boys and Anna Lockley, Melina La Rosa and Elise Fry each in first, second and third place, respectively. Hot on their tails were the senior female placegetters Michelle Cunningham taking gold followed by Sam Hawkins-Mcdonald and Kathy Wardle. James Kiely, Jakeb Waddell and Tyler King took the podium for the men’s senior race, with Kiely and Waddell charging ahead three minutes clear of King. First to cross the line for the youngsters was 10-year-old James Bourn who took out the children’s event in just 7:32, an incredible 28 seconds in front of runner-up Mason Clark. Bourn was ecstatic with the win, having finished second place last year. The duo were followed by Floyd Pasco, Harper Reid and Lucas O’Driscoll, with Alice Mather the first female to cross the line with 9:10. The walk was filled with lots of supportive family and friends, Koby Read taking the top spot joined by Marissa Italiano and Ava Williams in second and third respectively.