Run The Maine was back bigger and better than ever in 2023 with a record number of participants taking up the challenge across three courses, the Grainger Legal Half Marathon, Midland Express/Castlemaine Mail 10km and The Mill 5km Run/Walk.

Thanks to Run The Maine’s volunteer organising committee, sponsors and participants, this week the hugely successful event enabled Run The Maine committee members to present a cheque for $25,000 to Sue Race, Dhelkaya Health Chief Executive Officer.
The funds will be put towards Dhelkaya Health’s 2023 Equipment Appeal which aims to purchase four new patients trolleys for the Operating Theatre.

Sue Race was thrilled to receive the cheque and acknowledged how much the service health valued the support of this high-profile community and wellbeing event. She said: “We are truly grateful to have the Run The Maine team bringing together an incredible group of volunteers to deliver a hugely enjoyable community that we can all take part in. Thousands of people from across Mount Alexander Shire will now benefit from the new patient trolleys, so it really is an enormous and rewarding achievement.”

Run The Maine’s cheque means the 2023 Equipment Appeal is now more than halfway to its fundraising target. With two trolleys in the bag, there are just two more trolleys to go.

Ms Race had the opportunity to meet Run The Maine Race Ambassadors on race day, including Val Case who remains a competitive runner at 87 years old. Ms Race said Val and her fellow ambassadors as “inspiring” and that “they really show us all the health benefits of exercise and connection at any age”.

Gavin Krasner, Race Director Run The Maine said. “We are sending a huge thank you to all the participants, what a great crowd you were. It’s just so good to see how much everyone enjoyed the day. There were plenty of fun and laughs…if a few aches and pains the next day! Thank you to the Rapid Relief Team for sizzling sausages on the day and to our Event Partners and Sponsors – we couldn’t have done it without you! I am fortunate to be part of an incredible team the committee for Run the Maine, an incredibly hardworking and committed group of people. It’s such a pleasure to be part of this alongside them.”