On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Cardinia Fun Run and Walk returned to Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham, and it was nothing short of a resounding success. The event provided an incredible opportunity to promote a healthy, active lifestyle while raising funds for the Cardinia Community Foundation, which supports local families and groups in need within the Cardinia Shire.
We were thrilled to see the event grow significantly, with registrations soaring from 115 participants in the October 2023 event to an impressive 380 in March 2025. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who registered and donated, we were able to raise $10,753 for the Cardinia Community Foundation, making a meaningful impact on our community.
The event was filled with a strong sense of camaraderie, as spectators cheered on runners and walkers of all levels, creating an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. The 10km and 5km runs attracted 130 and 110 participants, respectively. In the 10km race, Andrew Thorpe clinched victory with a time of 37:12 minutes, while Tony Peterson crossed the finish line first in the 5km race with an outstanding time of 21:02 minutes. The flat course proved to be ideal for first-time runners, while also providing seasoned athletes with an excellent opportunity to achieve personal bests.
A special mention goes to the 140 walkers who participated, some of whom were greeted by light drizzle as they set off. However, the weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and they all completed the walk with smiles and determination. The family-friendly nature of the event was enhanced by the nearby Deep Creek playground and the presence of the Cardinia Leisure Street Team, who kept children entertained throughout the morning. The event truly catered to all ages and abilities, making it a wonderful outing for families.
This year’s event was further enriched by the presence of local service providers, including Frankie’s Kitchen, headspace Pakenham, and the Cardinia Community Foundation, who were on-site to offer support and information to participants. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous donations helped make the event a success by providing prizes for winners and fueling runners at the finish line!
Feedback from participants and supporters alike has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that everyone had a fantastic time. We can’t wait to do it all again next year! With the continued support of our community, we’re excited to see the Cardinia Fun Run and Walk continue to grow, uniting even more people in the spirit of health, fitness, and supporting local causes.
For more information about the Cardinia Community Foundation’s work, click here.
To view the photo album from the event, click here.
