The 17th annual Beachside Dash and Family Fun Run, hosted by the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) on Sunday, 8 September, at Depena Reserve, Dolls Point, has exceeded all expectations – raising over $100,000 for critical medical research. 868 enthusiastic runners joined the event—nearly 300 more than last year—along with spectators, sponsors, and stallholders, making this year’s Dash one of the most memorable yet.
SSMRF CEO Pam Brown expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled to have surpassed our $100,000 fundraising target, which underscores how much our community values the ongoing medical research at St George and Sutherland Hospitals. This incredible achievement was made possible by the generosity of our major sponsors – Club Central, St George Leagues Club, Georges River Council, Ramsgate RSL, Caringbah Rotary and St George Private Hospital – and our record-breaking number of registrations.”
Congratulations to our winners!
The races were competitive but fun. Congratulations to:
10km male
- Rory Darkins (00:31:48)
- Kobe Stewart (00:32:14)
- Joshua Wooldridge (00:32:17)
10km female
- Belinda Martin (00:37:36)
- Magda Karimali (00:42:08)
- Gooya Mozdbar (00:43:14)
5km male
- James Tunbridge (00:15:03)
- Mason Cohen (00:15:04)
- Maximilian Boomkamp (00:15:22)
5km female
- Layla White (00:17:45)
- Noni Cooper (00:18:44)
- Audrey HALL (00:18:51)
Overall 2km male
- Joshua Wallis (00:07:31)
Overall 2km female
- Arianna Calavrias (00:07:32)
For the first time, 10 km and 5 km placegetters received cash prizes!
In addition to the professionally timed 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km races, the day featured a range of family-friendly activities. Participants and attendees enjoyed coffee provided by Austbrokers SPT, a mouthwatering BBQ courtesy of Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, and children’s entertainment, including face painting at the Club Central and Ramsgate RSL stands.
The event was graced by inspiring words from Beachside Dash Ambassadors, champion triathlete Craig Alexander OAM and former St George Illawarra Dragons player Jason Nightingale. The crowd also heard from political leaders, including Mark Coure MP, State Member for Oatley, Bayside Council Mayor Bill Saravinovski and Georges River Council Deputy Mayor Elise Borg, as well as SSMRF Patron Professor John Edmonds AM, and SSMRF Ambassador Kevin Greene AO assisting with proceedings. SSMRF Deputy Chair Emeritus Professor Kate Moore passionately spoke about the critical importance of ongoing medical research at St George and Sutherland Hospitals.
Additional highlights:
- The coveted School Cup Challenge trophy was proudly claimed by St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School – Kogarah, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
- The Fundraising Champion – awarded to the individual who raised the most for SSMRF – will be announced later this week.
“If you didn’t make it to the Beachside Dash and Family Fun Run this year, there’s still time to support medical research at our local hospitals,” added Pam Brown. “You can donate through our website to help further our cause.”
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming SSMRF events by following us on social media or subscribing to our e-newsletter.
