Runaway Barossa Marathon Brings out Best of the Region
The Barossa Valley is often considered a relaxing place to getaway - with beautiful landscapes, an abundance of fresh produce, and a great range of top quality wines.
But one event aims to combine the region's best features with a passion for being active - the Runaway Barossa Marathon.
Race Director Nicholas Hurlston joined Anita in the Flow FM studios for all the details.
Being run on October 21, the marathon will bring former residents back home for the occasion.
Melbourne based Judy Somes and Sydney resident Sage Saegenschnitter are living proof that “You can take the girls out of the Barossa Valley but you can’t take the Barossa Valley out of the girls”.
Sage and Judy are currently in training for their return home, looking forward to catching up with family and friends, and making the most of the marathon opportunity.
A farm between Tanunda and Gomersal was where five-time Ironman race finisher Judy, was born and raised, before moving to Melbourne more than 25 years ago.
“The Barossa a very pretty part of Australia and a place I always love to visit.
"Aside from seeing family and friends, our regular visits back almost always include winery visits, a trip to the local farmer’s market and purchasing local produce like Mettwurst and Dill Cucumbers to take back to Melbourne," Judy said.
A runner at heart, she also competed in the IRONMAN 70.3 World champs on the Sunshine Coast last year.
“When I saw the course for Runaway Barossa Marathon, I knew it was a 'must do' event.
"I'm really excited to race Runaway Barossa Marathon, because it is quite literally on home soil, with the early part of the course including a long stretch straight past my family's farm.
"Many parts of the course are on roads that I remember vividly from my childhood and I often run some of these when back visiting...I can't wait to run it,” she said.
Sage Saegenschnitter is also Barossa local, having been born in Tanunda where she lived until finishing high school and heading off to Sydney in 2000, where she eventually discovered she was a runner.
“Growing up I was far from athletic, I was the kind of kid who was on the SRC cooking the BBQ on sports day to get out of having to participate in any events.
"I was the kids who was picked last in the sports team and honestly believed I could not run.”
“In the last ten years in Sydney I took up running because the cost of living is so expensive and I needed a type of exercise that cost me nothing. "I would walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens every day and see others with various levels of fitness and form out there giving it a go...so I thought 'If they can do it, so can I’.”
“I've been toying with the idea of tackling a marathon for a few years now, and when I saw Runaway Barossa Marathon event I knew this was the place I wanted to do it.
"It's the place to hit that goal and finally claim that I am a runner and undo all those self beliefs that formed early in my life. "It might not be fast, it might not be elegant but I'll get it done. "And even better the start and finish line is just a five minute walk from my parent’s home.”
“To help me along the way, I've invited a bunch of my training buddies to come along for a weekend getaway to share with them all the beauty and delight that is the Barossa - stunning scenery, magic wine and delicious food.
"Most of them have never been so they're in for a treat.
"A few are injured and disappointed that they can't run, but they'll be cheering from the sidelines and soaking up the best of the Barossa vibes,” Sage said.
Head to runawaybarossamarathon.com.au for all the details.