The Benalla and surrounding regions came out in good numbers to support the 12th annual Benalla Act 2 D'feet MND walk on Sunday with over 500 people taking part in the walk.
“Benalla, surrounding communities and the families affected by MND have been magnificent in their support of us and this event.” said Benalla Act2DfeetMND committee member Robyn Smith
This years event saw participants come from a number of towns across the region to support the cause. Many of whom have either a direct connection to someone suffering or passed from MND or they come to support friends of those affected. Participants this year came from Benalla, Cobram/Barooga, Shepparton, Finley, Kyabram, Mitchelton, Wangaratta, Tatura and Melbourne and many more.
The support of these communities and the local businesses has enabled the Benalla Act2DfeetMND committee to raise in excess of $600,000 to go towards MND research over the past 12 years.
“Benalla has put research projects on the map and a cure is closer than ever because of the support you have shown.” Smith said.
Olympian Victoria Mitchell took out the Benalla Railway staff Queen of the Lake event as expected slashing over 2 minutes off the race record set by Caitlin Sinclair in 2014. Mitchell led the Queen and King of the lake field for the first 1km with Luke Baker in hot pursuit, at the 2km mark Baker had established a 50m lead with Mitchell starting to feel the effects of the fast start.
Baker eventually cleared out winning in 13:35, with Mitchell second outright and winner of the Queen of the Lake. Her time of 14 minutes 16 seconds was 2 minutes and 28 seconds under the old race record.
Baker’s time of 13:35, was the third fastest time over the course behind his own winning times in 13:28 (2013) and the race record of 13:12 (2017).
Baker was surprised with the quick time due to his lack of training. “I ran a marathon in August, and I have hardly run since, I went for a run last week to prepare” Baker said.
This was Baker’s third North East Life King of the Lake victory having also won in 2013 and 2017.
Benalla Little athletics athletes Cooper Binion (10) and Mary Moll (9) took out the Schneider Electric Prince and Rambling Rose Princess of the lake events.
The Ausnet Services men’s relay saw a composite team of Sam Martyn, Nick Warnock, Jake Pallpratt and Chris Welsh clear winners from the two Benalla Saints teams. The Benalla Travel women’s relay also saw a composite team of Georgia Rodger, Tylah Marchbank and Maisie Barlow winning ahead of the Benalla Saints women’s teams. Barlow and Marchbank sharing an additional leg of the relay.
Benalla Little Athletics took out the GMCU Community relay.
Although not a race Leif Sallows (Benalla) and Gifford Crossthwaite (Cobram) were the first riders home in the Artavilla’s 89km ride, Benalla’s Divina Wood was the first female to finish and David Dolling the oldest rider at 78.
Benalla’s John Hanlon and Marilyn Fry were the big winners on the day taking out first and second prizes in the raffle. Hanlon won the $1000 travel voucher from Benalla Travel while Fry collected the mountain bike donated by Artavilla’s at Cobram.
It was déjà vu for Hanlon who also won the raffle last year. “I won the travel voucher last year, but after planning a trip I had to cancel everything so I wasn’t able to utilise it.” Hanlon said.
Fry doesn’t plan to use the bike for herself but has a number of sons each of whom have expressed an interest in the bike, so she may have to arrange her own raffle to help her decide.
Contacts
Jim Myconos 03 5762 1817 Chair of the Benalla Act2DfeetMND Committee
Robyn Smith 0418 979 459
MND Victoria – 03 9830 2228
Photos
View more photos from this year's event!
