The annual Maitland River Run has been hailed a huge success from both runners and spectators, with the new venue creating a buzz on the start and finish line.
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The event in its 12th year, presented by River Realty, was held at the new Maitland Regional Athletics Centre and saw around 400 recreational runners complete in five distances.
The distances included half marathon, 12km, 8km, 4km and Mile.
All events started and finished on the track, with local sport commentator Mike Rabbitt, keeping the crowd entertained as runners started, lapped, and eventually finished their events on the new world class facility.
Event organiser Paul Humphreys of Maitland based H Events said he was pleased with the turn out, in particular given the 2020 postponed event was only held 6 months ago.
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"It is funny how things worked out with COVID. We wanted to give runners a new experience but have stumbled across a new and hopefully permanent venue for the event," Mr Humphreys said.
"The crowd loved the atmosphere."
With a picture perfect winter morning, the main course accessed the river foreshore by crossing James and Hunter Streets and used the river paths to complete a picturesque 4km loop.
Runners in the multi-lap courses received encouragement as they re-enter the start line on the track for each lap and then finally to the finish area
A highlight of the event was the new track based Maitland Mile including $2000 in prize money, which attracted some of the best local mid distance runners in the area.
Luke Young took out the event, just ahead of Callam Lang with Harriet Greentree taking out the female prize money.
Local Real Estate Agency, River Realty were the naming rights sponsor for 2021 and had numerous staff entered in the event.
Company Director Chris Henry said he is proud to be associated with this great community event in Maitland. River undertook fundraising for Beyond Blue on race day.
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