More than 7,000people hit local streets and parks on Sunday to participate in the first ever major running festival and community event for Western Sydney.
People of all ages and abilities walked, jogged and ran through iconic Western Sydney destinations, including the new Sydney Zoo, Sydney Motorsport Park, the Western Sydney Parklands and Blacktown International Sports Park in the inaugural RunWest.
“Sunday’s turnout was nothing short of inspiring – to have so many faces of all walks of life show up to enjoy the sun and partake in both the 12km and 4km race is a true testament to the incredible community spirit of Western Sydney,” said Athletics Australia vice president Jan Swinhoe.
“When we began planning NAB RunWest we envisioned a celebration of culture, community and health, and everyone brought that energy in spades.”
The 4km family friendly course welcomed more than 3,000 people who jogged, walked, danced and pushed prams.
Athletics NSW chairman Peter Higgins said the organisers were thrilled to have so many registrations for the 4km family friendly race, including RunWest hero and Australian sporting icon John Maclean, who walked with rugby league legend Mark Geyer and numerous funding recipients from the John Maclean Foundation.
“From day one we’ve been committed to creating a legacy event that promotes health and fitness for the whole community,” Higgins said.
“We couldn’t be happier that RunWest attracted not just serious athletes, but so many people of all ages and abilities happy to get outside on a Sunday and just give it a go.”
Adding to RunWest’s broad appeal was the Finish Festival at West HQ, which greeted participants at the end of their race with a vibrant atmosphere of food trucks, entertainment, activities, a petting zoo and meet-and-greets with local sporting heroes.
“Western Sydney locals and all participants should be so proud of not just the results and the money raised, but the energy and sense of community we all felt on Sunday,” said the CEO of West HQ Richard Errington.
