THE Warby Ranges was alive with runners, walkers and explorers alike last Saturday, August 11, at the very first running of the Kwat Kwat Trail Run.

A brand new running event for the Wangaratta region, this family event brought over 200 competitors and their supporters to the Black Dog Brewery for different trail run distances of 50km, 25km, 12km, 6km or also a 2km race for kids.

The response and feedback from the event was thoroughly positive, which was a great sigh of relief for race organiser and local runner, Dean Milligan, who loves the Warbys, and just felt that an event there would do the Warby’s some well deserved justice.

Dean had never organised an event of this undertaking before, and took on the challenge, intent that continually challenging yourself leads to positive improvements.

He wasn’t alone in this effort however, and was supported by a great team of volunteers, his family, and local businesses all contributing to an event that brought cheering, support, and comradery from the sidelines.

It also brought some mildly sore legs the next day, to many of the runners, who all put in the miles and smiles, climbing the magnificent tracks, up and down the hills.

Local running groups from Benalla, Albury Wodonga and Wangaratta all supported the event, with many staying for their last runner through, enjoying the offerings of wood fired pizza and tastings from Black Dog Brewery and Taminick Cellars.

Runners were introduced to the many varying trails of the Warbys.

"It was an amazing course," said local runner Nick Creek.

"We had fire trails, where there was room to run beside someone and have a chat, some steep uphill hiking (where we could slow and have a breather), some good fast downhill, and best of all, flowing single track, weaving in and around grass trees, rocks and bushes. So much fun.

"Just being out there in the bush, makes you so grateful to have such amazing nature at our doorstep, and we appreciate our traditional owners for such long standing care taking, and also others such as Parks Vic, and Friends of the Warby Ranges community group for continued service to this environment."

The event itself was enhanced with hidden spot prizes along the course, and also mandatory selfie shots from Kwat Kwat Lookout itself.

Interested readers, can see these selfie photos and more on Facebook, by searching for #KwatKwatTrailRun.

Race organiser Dean Milligan was extremely humbled by the success and feedback of the event, and thanked the many event sponsors and of course volunteers.