The sound of more than 1400 pairs of feet pounding the roadway could be heard in Russell Street yesterday as the 39th Bathurst Edgell Jog got underway.
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Organisers were pleased that 1427 runners and walkers took part in the popular event considering the fact that the fun run fell on Father’s Day. There was also a really big dance program at Bathurst Eisteddfod yesterday.
Bathurst Edgell Jog Committee’s Ray Stapley said next year they plan to move the jog to September 13 to avoid the Father’s Day conflict.
A total of 150 people registered for the jog on Saturday and 650 people signed up online.
Mr Stapley said this was fantastic as it took some of the pressure off volunteers on the day. He said he would love to see even more people register online.
The weather was kind, with some great times turned in.
In fact the winner David Byrne narrowly broke the course record with a time of 0:23:33.
Mr Stapley said some really big teams took part this year.
The Cain Kensit Messenger team was made up of 80 people, while John Mathews and Co Pharmacy also fielded a large team.
There was plenty of pre-race entertainment including a performance by the Scots School Pipe Band, the Cityfit instructors and even a flash mob outside the courthouse.
Mr Stapley said the flash mob was great because it added something different to the event.
Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said the Edgell Jog is another example of the wonderful volunteer work that takes place in our community.
“It starts and finishes in this amazing space,” he said.
“Kings Parade presents so beautifully.”
Ross Peters celebrated Father’s Day at the Bathurst Edgell Jog with his daughters Zoe and Molly.
The girls take part in fun runs all over Central West and train with their dad by running six or seven kilometres most days.
The Edgell Jog was also high on the agenda as a Father’s Day activity for the Edwards family.
Renee, Leah, Chloe and Luke Edwards all took part. The family travelled from Wallerawang for the big event.
As a special treat for dad they had arranged to spend the afternoon playing laser tag.
“We thought the jog was something nice to do together. It’s fun, healthy and there are some good prizes,” she said.
Jan Ross and Lorette Sams believe the Edgell Jog is a very important local community event. They enjoy the exercise, but don’t take it too seriously.
“You can walk and talk at the same time,” they said.
Brett Russell was proudly sporting a temporary tattoo with the words “Dad Rules” for the Edgell Jog.
It was one of the first presents he received yesterday morning.
He and his son Myles were running the jog together for the first time.
