Sparkling finish to 444 run

By Emily Donohoe

Mar 9, 2025

It was hugs all round for Ben ‘Mino’ Welch on Friday. Photo by Jordan Townrow

There were plenty of cheers as Ben Welch crossed the line, right on 4.44pm. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Ben ‘Mino’ Welch marked the end of a 380km — a four day, four hour, 44 minute — journey of a lifetime.

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Crossing the line at Echuca’s Victoria Park on Friday, March 7, at 4.44pm, Ben was met by thousands of supporters and the arms of some of his nearest and dearest.

Ben embraces his wife, Jayde, at the finish line. Photo by Jordan Townrow

Beginning the run on Monday, March 3 in Mildura, Ben covered some serious kilometres on his Murray marathon, making his way through places like Robinvale, Swan Hill, Cohuna and Gunbower.

Students from schools and preschools around the region painted their campuses blue in honour of the run, hosting ‘wear it blue’ days and fundraisers.