24 June 2013

Strathfield Council’s Cooks River Fun Run has proven its overwhelming success and popularity amongst Sydney runners, with record numbers at the 2013 event on Sunday despite heavy rain over the weekend.

Set along the foreshores of the Cooks River, the event saw 512 participants register for the 5km, 10km and 2km kids run, nearly 100 more than last year’s numbers.

For the first time in 2013 the event supported a charity partner, with $5 from each entry donated to Bowel Cancer Australia. The record number of entrants contributed to a total of $2560 raised to assist with education and community awareness.

In the 10km female race, Elise Baker of Balmain set a new record for the Cooks River Fun Run with 38.58. The 5km female event highlighted the up and coming young talent in the running community, with 11 year old Taylor Porter of Caringbah winning in 19:51.

In the male events, Jake Stollery of Dee Why won the 5km in 16:39 and Deak Zsombor of Faulconbridge won the 10km in 34:36.

The event received positive feedback from runners, who weren’t deterred by the consistent rain in the area on Saturday.

Mayor of Strathfield, Cr Gulian Vaccari who did the 5km walk himself, said the strong turnout for the event in the wet weather was great example of the importance placed on exercise and healthy lifestyle.

“It’s great to see so many runners turn up to compete in the Cooks River Fun Run despite the wet conditions. The event is a positive way to promote healthy living in the community, and a fantastic lead up run for people training for bigger races,” Cr Vaccari said.

“With record numbers and great support for Bowel Cancer Australia, Council looks forward to the Cooks River Fun Run continuing to grow in success in future years.”

The 2.5km course from Freshwater Park to Ford Park in Strathfield South takes in the Bay to Bay Cycleway and the many great parks in Strathfield.