Runners race through canola paddocks and farm lanes in colourful Kojonup Run 4 Resilience fundraiser

Canola paddocks, country lanes and plenty of kilometres were run in Kojonup on Sunday, as 186 runners took part in the Run 4 Resilience event.

Runners of all ages tackled the scenic course through farm laneways and vibrant canola fields, with 21km, 10km and 5km events on offer alongside a kids dash.

The event was hosted by Trish Norrish and her family, with participants treated to music throughout the day and complimentary fresh fruit provided by the Fat Farmer and Active Farmers Rural Health Initiative.

Competition was strong across all distances with Joel Gray claiming the men’s 21km title in 1hr. 17min. 59sec. and Kerrie Beckett taking out the women’s division in 1:40:36.

James Leiper was the fastest male in the 10km, finishing in 44:53, while Jill Thornton won the women’s division in 51:22.

In the 5km event, Brett McMahon finished first for the men in 25:05, with Caroline House leading the women home in 25:18.

The event raised about $23,000 with half of the profits staying with the Kojonup community to establish Active Farmers classes, which will be fitness classes helping the Kojonup community get together and stay active. The other half of the profits will go back to the Active Farmers charity to help the not-for-profit organisation with more events in the future.

All participants completed their events safely, with a successful day possible through the efforts of the Norrish family, volunteers, sponsors and the wider Kojonup community.

Active Farmers community engagement manager and national trainer manager Boyd Rae said the Norrish family had gone all out to create a memorable event.

“They had made an absolute treat with even a big articulated forward tractor out there at the start line and banners up over the top,” he said.

“It was a beautiful run down their laneways, and towards the end there at the halfway point was gilded by canola crops either side.”

Mr Rae said participants had embraced the course and the event had run without a hitch.

“All the participants absolutely loved it and everything went absolutely smoothly,” he said.

“We couldn’t ask for a better day and better participants.

“Everyone’s already trying to ask when the next one is.”

Mr Rae said organisers hoped to see the event return next year and continued encouraging people to get active.

“Hopefully next year it’ll just be a copy and paste, and we should have another beautiful weekend and get people out moving and grooving, which is the major goal of this,” he said.