Runners and walkers gather at the starting line for the inaugural Lockington to Kotta rail trail fun run on Sunday, October 11.
A decade of dedication and community spirit finally crossed the finish line on October 11, when around 90 runners and walkers laced up their shoes for the much-anticipated inaugural Lockington to Kotta rail trail fun run.
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The 8km route from the Traveller’s Rest in Lockington to Kotta Railway Station marked the trail’s official opening, winding through native trees and shrubs.
Kotta resident Neil Haines set the scene by sharing the rich history of the railway line and the years of hard work behind the trail’s creation, before longtime resident and community worker Des Pentreath did the honours, cutting the ribbon to declare it officially open.
Children tackled a 500-metre dash, earning ice creams supplied by Bulla, while the first three finishers in the male, female and children’s categories received rail trail hats sponsored by Worklocker Echuca.
Once the running shoes were off, participants gathered at Kotta Railway Station to celebrate with a barbecue lunch and cold drinks, with the Lockington Lions Club manning the grill and local band The Healers setting a festive mood from the station platform.
The rail trail committee members extended their heartfelt thanks to participants, volunteers, local businesses and supporters, including the Elmore, Lockington and Rochester Community Bank, Rural Aid and Agnico Eagle, for their contributions over the years.
With the trail now open, the committee hopes to hold another fun run within the next six months.
Young participants celebrate completing the children’s dash, with Bulla ice creams as their reward.
The Healers perform at Kotta Railway Station as participants celebrate the opening of the new rail trail with lunch and live music.
Harry Dunham sprints towards the finish after tackling the eight-kilometre course.
Lotti Waterson crosses the finish line, completing the trail run.
Wyatt Ayres passes between the hay bales marking the finish line.
