General News
17 April, 2026
Dimboola Dash first run steals away town
ORGANISERS, local businesses and Hindmarsh Shire Council were looking at the long list of positives following the inaugural Dimboola Dash on Sunday, despite the event having to wear the news of a related theft.
With some of the equipment set up on Saturday, ready for the various runs, volunteers arrived the following morning to find that some substantial items at the half-marathon turnaround point were gone.
Event organiser Brian Haddy said the discovery was a “minor hiccup” for the day, with hundreds of people turning up to run and enjoy the atmosphere, and the town welcoming the activity.
“Our water was still there (and) our cups were still there, but the marquee and fold-up trestle table and the flag were gone,” he said.
“The Dimboola Dash teardrop flag, which was in a long black cover, which I reckon looked a lot like fishing rods.
“I can’t imagine anyone’s going to put a Dimboola Dash running festival flag in their front yard!”
Brian said he expected never to see the marquee and table again, and the volunteers quickly moved on to facilitate the day.
“We quickly got another table out there and got on with it,” he said.
“I would like the flag back though, if anyone comes across the flag, that's a couple (of) hundred bucks – I suspect once it was realised it wasn't fishing gear, it might have gone for a long swim.”
Victoria Police leading senior constable, Neil Zippel, called it a “low-life” act.
“Between 12pm Saturday and 7am, someone has taken a 3x3 blue gazebo and a white fold-up table along with a purple teardrop-style banner, which has ‘Dimboola Dash Running Festival’ printed on it in big white letters,” he said.
“The banner will be very distinctive if seen anywhere.”
He was hoping the community would help him find the person(s) responsible.
“What police are looking for is if any passing motorists noticed any vehicles or activity on the Dimboola side of the highway out near the Lochiel bridge during this time,” LSC Zippel said.
“Any information can be passed on to the Police Assistance Line (on) 131 444.”
Nevertheless, HSC was thrilled with Sunday, with their Economic Development and Tourism team working closely with the event organisers.
“In the lead-up to the start, Dimboola was buzzing with activity as runners gathered, chatted, and soaked up the atmosphere,” a HSC spokesperson said.
“Feedback on both the course and the town was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors praising Dimboola’s hospitality and local businesses.
“Numerous participants stayed both locally in Dimboola and in nearby towns, including Horsham, contributing to a strong weekend for local operators.
“Event organisers partnered with local groups and businesses to provide food and beverage options and to staff refreshment stations along the course, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all involved.”
The spokesperson said it was fantastic to “secure the race for the shire and showcase the Wimmera River Discovery Trail”.
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