STEWART Kerr said he and his family are looking forward to running together in this year's Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon & Fun Run presented by Garry Nash & Co. Real Estate.

But there will also be plenty of friendly competition – especially between he and son Hunter (16) who are looking forward to seeing who gets to the finish line first in the 10km event.

"It's great to see the kids' friends and their teachers (from Cathedral College) getting out and running, and it's a great inspiration for the kids to see the other runners doing marathons," Stewart said.

"We're also pleased they're having a go at the longer events themselves."

Four of the five members of the active family play hockey with the Dragons, while mum Tracey jogs a couple of times a week for fun and 'to enjoy the wonderful country side around South Wangaratta'.

The three children have also been part of Little Aths.

"The fun run here in Wangaratta is a great way for everyone to get involved in keeping active and there are five course lengths to choose from.

"We can't wait to get out there on Sunday."

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NEW COURSE FOR 2023

THERE is a minor change to the marathon and half marathon route for the 2023 event.

The route now takes in the Golf Club Estate and has been measured, but it does not qualify as an AIMS certified event.

The cut–off time has also been increased so a wider range of athletic abilities can be included, with walkers invited to participate in the half marathon.

The route is a flat course consisting of bitumen sealed cycling path (approx. 38km), residential sealed roads (approx. 4km) and grass/gravel near the finish (approx. 300m).

There are no hills and just a few short undulations along a picturesque and scenic river and creek course.

Cut off times:

11am (4hr 21.1km) end of first lap – after this time all entrants will be directed to the finish line;

2pm race finish (7hr 42.2km) – all aid stations will close.

Entrants may continue after 2pm following normal pedestrian laws at their own risk.

A "DNF – Did not Finish" will be recorded.

When entering the Showgrounds at the end of the second lap, deviate onto the grass when indicated and run onto the grass and over the finish line.

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TRAFFIC ALTERATIONS – CAMBRIDGE ESTATE

ALTERED traffic conditions will be in place from approximately 6am on Sunday, March 19.

Road conditions will return to normal with the removal of all signage and other materials by 2pm at the latest on the same day.

Road traffic will be affected during this time, in particular the following roads will be closed:

*The entire south–bound lane of Phillipson Street from Cambridge Drive to College Street;

*The entire east–bound lane of Cambridge Drive between Trotman Drive and Phillipson Street;

*A section of Macquarie Court.

The crossroad at College Street and Park Lane will not be closed to traffic, however significant delays can be expected.

Residents are encouraged to avoid or allow additional trip time if using this intersection.

Detour routes

Detour and road signage will be in place to assist residents on the day.

Residents are requested to use Logan Drive, Oxford Drive, Monash Drive, Jordyn Terrace and Trotman Drive (south of roundabout intersection with Logan Drive) to exit the general area.

If you need to leave your property on event day between 5:30am and 2pm please seek the support of a marshal before leaving your property.

Marshalling

Traffic marshals will be in place at the College Street/Park Lane intersection.

Additional marshals will be patrolling in the College Street, Phillipson Street, Cambridge Drive and Macquarie Court area to assist residents as required.

Please proceed slowly and obey instructions provided by marshals in these areas.

TRAFFIC ALTERATIONS – GOLF CLUB ESTATE:

Altered traffic conditions will be in place from approximately 6.30am on Sunday, March 19.

Traffic controllers will be in place from approximately 7am.

Road conditions will return to normal with the removal of all signage and other materials by 2pm at the latest on the same day.

Please proceed slowly around the area and obey the traffic controllers.

Entrants will pass through twice per lap, once on the way out, then again on the way back.

The marathon is two laps, the half marathon is one lap.

Entrants will utilise the footpaths, only requiring traffic control as they cross the road.

Parking

Residents are asked not to park vehicles on the affected areas of roads or restrict the access to footpaths and/or cycling paths.

This will help with overall traffic management, ensure that traffic flow is not unreasonably hindered and that entrants in these events are safe guarded.

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Entrant support:

Marathon entrants are expected to start passing through these areas at 7.15am, followed by half marathon and 10km entrants from approximately 7.45am.

Residents are encouraged to watch the athletes pass and support them on their way to completing the marathon (42.2km – RED bibs), half marathon (21.1km – GREEN bibs) or 10km (BLUE bibs).

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Volunteering for fun

THE Wangaratta Marathon & Fun Run is only possible thanks to the many community groups and volunteers who put their hand up to assist.

The Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club (WK&ODC) are one such group who have been assisting with the event for more a decade.

The WK&ODC clubrooms are near the starting point of the marathon and will act as event headquarters for the club to complete their volunteer duties on the day.

"We oversee many responsibilities on the day, and we basically do whatever needs to be done," Kevin Felmingham from WK&ODC said.

"We cut the fruit up for the runners, we also man some of aid or refreshment stations, and we look after the toilets making sure there's toilet paper and that it's all cleaned and comfortable for everyone."

While the clubrooms won't be open to the public, Mr Felmingham hopes the WK&ODC will be able to help more with the fun run in the future once they have their new building.

Mr Felmingham said they help out with the event as a way for the club to give back to the community.

"When you're a voluntary community such as our kennel club, it's not just about your club it's about working for the community and assisting where we can," he said.

"To us it's an amazing event for Wangaratta, especially for the tourism it brings into our town; it's a great asset for our town to have it."