ON Sunday 1 September, the Golf Club hosted Coonamble’s third Colour Run/walk. Roughly 300 people attended the event with many fathers and grandfathers in the thick of things as families celebrated Fathers Day in that special Coonamble way.
The 2019 Colour Run was was again in support of the local Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund raising just over $10,000 through registrations, merchandise sales and donations. The crowd warmed up with Zumba with Tracey from Dubbo and some local helpers who led the dance steps from the back of a truck.
The Rotary BBQ, Nakadoo Icecream van and coffee machine from Mink & Me were popular on the day, and jumping castle sponsored by Coonamble Shire Council. Stalls selling scented soaps and candles and home-baked treats added to the atmosphere.
“We were very pleased with the day and our wonderful band of volunteers,” said Treasurer Anne Mackay. “And how lucky were we with the weather?!”
Friendly flies aside, the sunny weather made for perfect conditions to have a leisurely walk and talk, with only a handful of people opting to run the course that snaked around the golf course. Babies in packs and prams, children on bikes, broken down men in golf carts and seniors in the bus all tackled the five kilometre track in support of the Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund.
Among the crowd were several survivors and current patients as well as many others whose family members have received assistance from the Fund over the years. In 2018 the Fund helped 30 cancer patients from around the local area distributing approximately $45,000.
“We give a one off, feel-good donation to newly diagnosed cancer patients – no one expects to receive the devasting news of a cancer diagnosis so our little bit of help just gives them a start on their journey,” said committee member Kerryn Ryan.
“It’s all confidential and we work in conjunction with the health professionals.” The route was changed this year to keep the regulars interested and obstacles accompanied almost all the colour stations that were manned by enthusiastic volunteers trying not to leave a piece of clothing or skin uncoloured.
Participants who ran or walked the course were showered in bright and colourful cornflower powder and some received a rare soaking from a fire hose. At the end of the event, the community congregated on the lawn in the Golf Club yard and after the physical exertion of the colour run/walk, a fair few people decided to cool off with a cold beverage from the Golf Club bar.
The Colour Run was a success, according to Ms Ryan. “I think it went really well, there was a good crowd there and I think the sunny weather really helped,” she said. “It is a great event that locals come out and support.”
“We only do this event once a year and we receive donations from other people throughout the year,” Mrs Ryan said. “All the money stays in town to help local people.”