Council support for Lake Run and Ride

Published: 17 Jun 2021 11:26am

Wagga Wagga City Council will continue its support for the popular Lake Run and Ride community event which next year marks 40 years since the first race was held in the city.

Councillors agreed to enter into a new Memorandum of Understanding with Wagga Lake Run and Ride Incorporated to provide ongoing support of the event for a period of five years, starting in 2021/22.

Council will also allocate $2,000 annual funding to the event for the duration of the MOU.

The Wagga Wagga Lake Run and Ride is one of the city’s largest annual participation events and one of the largest free fun run and family cycle events in Australia.

Strategic Recreation Officer Peter Cook said the event started in 1972 and promotes a healthy active lifestyle for families.

“The event attracts more than 1,500 registered participants each year and many thousands of spectators along the course,” Mr Cook said.

“There’s a large number of volunteers who assist on the day and local businesses donate their services for the event.

“It is a very well supported community event and also attracts a number of visitors to the city.”

The event starts and finishes at Apex Park, Lake Albert, on the last Sunday in September.

The finish area hosts a Sports, Fitness and Health Expo where cycling, running, fitness and related groups have the opportunity to showcase their offerings. Local food vendors also provide their services.