The 18th annual Beachside Dash and Family Fun Run, hosted by the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) on Sunday, 14 September, at Depena Reserve, Dolls Point, has exceeded all expectations – raising more than $100,000 to fund critical medical research at our local hospitals with impact felt around the world.
More than 1,000 enthusiastic runners joined the event, cheered on by families, friends, sponsors and stallholders, making this year’s Dash the biggest in history!
SSMRF CEO Pam Brown said, ” We are delighted to have exceeded our $100,000 fundraising target, a result that reflects the generosity and spirit of our community. This incredible achievement was only possible thanks to our major sponsors – Club Central, St George Leagues Club, Georges River Council, Ramsgate RSL, Caringbah Rotary and St George Private Hospital – and the record number of runners, families and fundraisers who supported the Dash this year.”
Race results
The competition was fierce but friendly across the 10km, 5km and 2km events, with cash prizes awarded, along with a medal for every participant. Congratulations to:
10km:
- Male: 1st Rory DARKINS (00:32:08), 2nd Jonathan MCLENNAN (00:32:26), 3rd Christian LOTTER (00:33:10)
- Female: 1st Samantha DANCKERT (00:35:43), 2nd Eloise WELLINGS (00:36:02), 3rd Audrey HALL (00:37:18)
5km:
- Male: 1st Luke DALLA-BONA (00:17:49), 2nd Sergi GRIMAU (00:18:07), 3rd Michael MIGACHOV (00:18:20)
- Female: 1st Olivia KALAMVOKIS (00:18:31), 2nd Imogen GRIBBLE (00:19:45), 3rd Arianna CALAVRIAS (00:19:50)
2km:
- Male: 1st Reed MARTINUS (00:07:36), 2nd Joshua WALLIS (00:07:52), 3rd Hugo MOLACHINO (00:07:58)
- Female: 1st Emilia CAZON (00:08:23), 2nd Jaida CLARKE (00:08:44), 3rd Ririka MIYAMOTO (00:08:58)
Inaugural Corporate Cup Challenge
The new 2km Corporate Cup Challenge brought together 90 runners from McGrath, Austbrokers SPT, Community Bank Darling Square, Club Central, Georges River Council and Bertie’s Angels. Teams turned out in corporate colours, showing their spirit. Congratulations to Georges River Council, who claimed the inaugural Corporate Cup trophy and bragging rights.
School Cup Challenge
Primary school runners showed amazing energy in the 2km School Cup Challenge. Congratulations to St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Kogarah, who proudly claimed the perpetual trophy and $500 prize for their school.
Family fun and recovery
Beyond the finish line, families enjoyed coffee from Austbrokers SPT, a BBQ by Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, and children’s entertainment hosted by Club Central.
Runners were treated to a dedicated Recovery Zone for the first time, featuring:
- Ramsgate RSL – Revive health shots
- Nourish Organics – Rehydration station with electrolytes and free fruit for all runners
- Crayv – Protein bar and powder samples
- We Elevate (Cassy Croucher) – Guided stretching and ice baths
- Royal Blue Massage & Health Space Clinic (Lucas Vega) – Massage therapy
- Macquarie University Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences – Recovery treatments and mobility advice
- Tynan Motors – Bottled water
- Athlete’s Foot – games and advice
Inspiring voices
Ambassadors Jason Nightingale, former St George Illawarra Dragons player, and Counsellor Kal Glanznig, ocean advocate, shared words of encouragement. Attendees also heard from Georges River Council Deputy Mayor Elise Borg and Club Central President Brian Cloney.
Fundraising champions
The coveted Fundraising Champion award – recognising the highest individual fundraiser – will be announced later this week. To date, our fundraisers have raised over $13,700 on our brand new Go Fundraise fundraising page – donations can still be made this week
“If you couldn’t make it to this year’s Dash, there’s still time to support medical research at our local hospitals,” added Pam Brown.
