Athletics
16 April, 2026
Dashers bring the pace to Dimboola
Close to 300 participants lit up the running trails along the Wimmera River on Sunday, April 11, as part of the inaugural Dimboola Dash.
Competitors took part in either the marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km, or the free 2km Kids’ Dash.
Having been first across the line in the 2025 Horsham Running Festival, David Staehr from Kaniva was again the first finisher in the marathon, running a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes and 4 seconds.
Caroline McDonald was the first female marathon finisher in a time of 4 hours, 4 minutes and 32 seconds.
In the half marathon, Mitch Williams was the first finisher with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes and 21 seconds, while Gabrielle Wilson was the first female finisher in 1 hour, 35 minutes and 38 seconds.
Williams said the trails between the start point behind Dimboola Library and the Lochiel Rest Area were an enjoyable change to run on for the event.
“It was about what we expected for a trail run, a little sandy, but it was really good even with the rain in recent days,” he said.
Pleased with a personal best, Williams added that it was great to have a running event so close to his hometown of Nhill.
“When I’ve had to compete in runs like these, I usually have to head to Adelaide,” he said.
“Being from Nhill, to have one within half an hour is great.”
In the 10km event, 11-year-old Nelson Rohde (38 minutes, 56 seconds) and 10-year-old Scarlette Williams (45 minutes, 33 seconds) were the first male and female finishers, respectively.
The 5km run saw Jett Hill finish first in a time of 19 minutes and 41 seconds, while Zoe Wilson was the first female finisher in a time of 24 minutes and 15 seconds.
Event organiser Brian Haddy said the Dash attracted people from far and wide, providing a boost to the town.
“The general consensus was that it was terrific,” Haddy said.
“As well as locally, there was so many people coming from Adelaide and Melbourne and the wider regional areas, many of whom have never been to Dimboola in their lives.
“They were captivated by the shops on the main street, they loved the river trail the course was on, and it was just a great community vibe.
“The traders in the main street were overjoyed and the cafe was solidly patronised all day. “The novelty shops also had people all day there.
“It was a great event for Dimboola and helped continue the upward trend of Dimboola being a destination that attracts people.”
“The volunteer team of the Lions Club and the Dimboola Progress Association were great as they provided many people who helped out on the day, as these events only run smoothly with a good number of volunteers assisting at the aid stations and the finishing area.
With a strong first-time running of the event, Haddy plans to make it an annual fixture that pairs well with the Horsham Running Festival.
“We’ll be back, and it’s a good partner event to the Horsham Running Festival in September,” Haddy said.
“It gives people in the area two markers to potentially extend their fitness goals and regime and to work towards something beyond parkrun and other activities.
“We have set a date for next year, on April 11, which will likely occur six days before the 2027 Steampunk Festival.”
