From humble beginnings in 2014, where 14 people from Echuca-Moama took part in the Run Melbourne event, Johnno’s Run has raised a grand total of between $275,000-$280,000 throughout the past five years.
And it’s only set to rise with $6000 raised so far for this year’s event to help fund the Community Living and Respite Services (CLRS) Opening Doors Project in Maiden St, Moama.
The Opening Doors Project funds supported housing for people with a disability in Echuca-Moama. The inaugural run was supporting fundraising for the Minor St, Echuca development.
It all started with a message through Facebook, from Brady Johnson to CLRS chief executive Suzanna Barry, asking what he could do to help raise money.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
‘‘I had no idea that it would eventually lead to this,’’ he said.
‘‘It feels good to be able to make a difference in the community and meet a whole lot of people along the way.’’
Run Melbourne is the major fun run for the not-for-profit community with thousands of people taking part to support a charity.
And Johnno’s Run is the date everyone in Echuca-Moama has marked on their calendar.
‘‘It has just gone from strength to strength — we have elite runners like Brady Threlfall taking part and some coming to our Monday night trainings,’’ CLRS chief executive Suzanna Barry said.
‘‘There are a few hundred people in the community that have expressed interest and one year CLRS did have the biggest team.
‘‘This perfectly demonstrates that every person can make a difference and Brady (Johnson) represents that too.’’
And this year Brady is looking to tackle the half-marathon, with this one being his first.
‘‘We’re asking workplaces if they could sponsor a staff member to do it too, people can run, walk or wheel the 5km, 10km or 21km,’’ Suzanna said.
The launch and information night for this year’s Johnno’s Run will be on March 4 at 6pm at Scenic Drive. To RSVP, email events@clrs.org.au
Run Melbourne is on July 28, some team members train on Monday at 4.30pm or 5.15pm at Scenic Drive. For information, contact CLRS on 54802388 or visit clrs.org.au/johnnosrun