HUNDREDS of runners, walkers and cyclists enjoyed the 16th annual Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run – on a rail trail that is soon to be Australia’s longest.

The event, organised by Somerset Regional Council, was held on Sunday, 8 July with 562 people registering across three separate event categories.

The event included the popular 8km and 3km run/walk events between Lowood and Fernvale as well as a 25km bike ride from Lowood to Wanora and finishing at Fernvale Sports Park.

The community event attracted hundreds of supporters who proudly cheered family and friends as they crossed through the finish line at the Fernvale Sports Park.

Glen Yarham placed first in the 8km overall male category with a time of 25 minutes and 21 seconds followed by Jeremy Hunt at 26 minutes 38 seconds and third was Harry Wilson with a time of 27 minutes and 22 seconds.

Somerset resident, Tamara Carvolth, again took out first place for the overall women’s 8km event with a time of 28 minutes and 27 seconds. Tamara shaved off 15 seconds from her 2017 time.  Alexandra Blake placed second with a time of 29 minutes and forty seconds and third place getter was Gabrielle Schmidt with a time of 30 minutes and 57 seconds.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said it was great to see so many residents and visitors supporting the event.

“It’s always great to see the community getting involved and supporting each other. This event is all about having fun and everyone was so happy,” Cr Lehmann said.

“This year, we welcomed a lot of people from outside of the Somerset region and that’s great to see. All of our place getters in the 8km open category were from outside Somerset, except for our local champion, Tamara Carvolth of Esk.”

Council will donate $2 from every paid race entry to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association to help support activities and promotions of the iconic trail which will soon be Australia’s longest at 161km.

The Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run has been made possible with the assistance and support of Bendigo Bank - Lowood and Fernvale Community Bank Branch who, for the second consecutive year were major sponsors of the event.

“Council is grateful for the sponsorship from all the businesses who proudly support this great event,” Cr Lehmann said.

“We are also very appreciative of all the support from the volunteers across the three events – without them, this event would not be possible.”

Images by the official event photographers, post race, are available at www.postracephotogrpahy.com.au.

Post Race are donating 10% of sales to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association.  

Fun run participant results are available at www.railtrailfunrun.com.