Stromlo has seen a steady increase in women participating over the past half-decade. Photo: Stromlo Running Festival.
The ACT dominated the leaderboard at what organisers are calling “the biggest and best Stromlo Running Festival (SRF) to date” at the weekend. The bush capital’s runners fittingly took out two-thirds of the placings in the men’s and women’s categories across all six events.
The SRF also saw a record number of athletes take to the trails for two days of running.
“We had over 400 more than last year – more than 2300 at the starting line – and you could feel that in the bodies at the event hub,” SRF Race Director Mel Bingley says.
“There was a bigger vibe, more presence – it was truly incredible.”
This year, more than half of all registered entrants were new to running, which Mel takes as proof that everyone – from those starting their fitness journey on a 5 km trail to those returning to smash their own personal best times – is welcome to take to the hills at Stromlo.
She notes, in particular, a steady increase in the number of children and women attending the festival over the past five years, with over 50 per cent of participants being women.
“Running is going through a resurgence and is becoming particularly popular for women and young families. The increase in numbers is extremely positive,” Mel says.
A special moment on Sunday was the 2.5 km kids cross-country, which includes over 50 children from remote Indigenous communities of Australia, as part of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation I-CAN program.
The I-CAN program works in remote Indigenous primary schools and communities across Australia to provide children with access to fun and educational health and fitness programs.
“This event sold out, so we had 300 kids and adults doing the cross-country event. Oh my goodness, it was a sight to behold all those children taking off!” Mel says.
Jordan Cowley from Lyneham secured first place in the inaugural marathon distance, conquering Mt Stromlo twice as part of the course and finishing in 3 hours and 12 minutes to set a benchmark for this tough new event.
“It was a beautiful morning to be out running with a course to match. Being first to finish is a nice way to open my trail running account,” Jordan says.
“I’m still recovering but also still smiling, thinking of all the views, kangaroos and support out on the course that made it easier to push through the tough second loop and climb up Mount Stromlo.”
Continuing with the winning streak of local athletes was an all-Canberran podium for the 10 km event, showcasing the top three male and female runners all from the national capital.
With this year’s race done and dusted, Stromlo organisers have even more to celebrate as finalists for the Minister’s Award for Innovation in the CBR Sports Awards for their research summit held earlier this year in collaboration with their academic partners, the University of Canberra.
But there will be no resting on their laurels as preparation for next year’s event commences.
Stromlo Running Festival will be back for 2025 on Saturday, 15 November, and Sunday, 16 November.
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