What started as a small team of people heading to the Run Melbourne event has grown into a fully fledged running event of its own right here in the twin towns, continuing to make a huge impact on the lives of Community Living and Respite Services clients.
CLRS CEO Leah Taaffe said the organisation was astounded at the growth of the event since the first iteration in 2014.
“We’re amazed to be honest, it’s been a pretty impressive journey,” she said.
“Particularly the last couple of years because of the impact of COVID, and the change that we’ve experienced as a result of that.
“We hit a high of 200 people going to Melbourne to do the event before COVID, and then COVID had a pretty big impact on everybody.
“So, to now have at least 300 people registered to participate on Sunday is absolutely fantastic, and really confirms the decision we made to bring it home. To be able to do something like this here in our own town is just fantastic.”
While the growth in terms of people participating in the event has been a fantastic result, the money that continues to be raised for the Opening Doors Project has had a tangible impact on the lives of people living with disability in Echuca-Moama.
The fact that the event has now moved home has also aided CLRS clients, Taaffe said, who no longer have to contend with travel and accommodation costs in Melbourne, allowing them to participate in the event.
“The funds that we’ve raised that have helped just build homes, the impact of that has been immeasurable,” Taaffe said.
“The fact that we have 20 people now who can live independently in their community, being well supported and able to do all of the things that they choose to do is huge, for a small town like Echuca-Moama it’s a really impressive result.
“I suppose just as importantly, now having the event here gives people with disability the opportunity to be involved and participate much more than they ever used to previously.
“It’s expensive to go to Melbourne for a day or a weekend, so there isn’t that barrier for people now to participate, so we’re seeing an awful lot more participation from people who have a disability.”
Although online registrations have now closed, Taaffe stressed that those interested could still register prior to the race on Sunday.
“You can still register on the morning and we would encourage people to get up and do something energetic,” she said.
“Come down and participate in what is a really, really awesome event."
Johnno’s Run will be celebrating its 10th edition on Sunday, August 6. For more information and start times for the 5km, 10km or 21.1km event, head to www.clrs.org.au/get-involved/johnnosrun
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