Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run

Last month our family participated in the Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run.  Organised by the Our Lady of the Rosary school as a fund-raiser, the event incorporates a 10km and a 3km run and a non-competitive 3km walk.

While not strictly on the foreshore, for most of the race the foreshore is in sight.  Last year the kids and I with our dogs ran/walked the 10km run; this year we decided to run the 3km as the youngsters haven’t been doing as much running as before.  On a beautiful clear winter’s day we dropped Audrey and Guinness off at the start of the 10km at Golden Beach and drove across the Caloundra headland to Race HQ at Moffat Beach, the start and finish of our run and the finish of the 10km for Audrey.

At 7:15 both races started.  Under brilliant winter skies in still, mild 10°C (50°F) weather, we set off together, simultaneously and at the same time.  Although only a week before the winter solstice, the sun was shining and the still air wasn’t too chilly – ideally comfortable weather for a morning run and wonderful for the school’s fund-raising efforts.  I was running with Cinnabar, and the kids were running with their Whippets Tiger and Sherbet. There were a couple of other dogs in the race also, a lovely skinny Labrador and a small tan fluffy.

The tan fluffy and its owner took off like they were chasing a cat, leaving us to battle it out with the Labby.  We followed him up the short but steep hill at the start of the race and were neck and neck for the first three k’s.  As a pretty regular racer, I was a little disappointed in the etiquette of some of the other runners, stopping in the middle of the narrow path that was the second kilometre of the out and back course, or surging past us to slow right down again straight after.  Just as we came to the hill one k out from the finish line however the kids urged me to run ahead and call their dogs.  With the additional power of two straining Whippets, Kirsten and Cameron burst past their golden nemesis and crested the rise in front.  From there it was a simple downhill run to the line and a some cold drinks and fruit.

Audrey and Guinness joined us shortly having completed their 10k, first dog and handler in that race, and after the usual presentations and random draws, we headed off for a barbecue and a walk on the lovely dog friendly beach, pictured, adjacent to the finishing line.

As always a lovely run in beautiful weather with a stunning finish area.  See you next year?