A field of 75 trail runners competed in the second annual Run Upper Murray in the Thowgla Valley on Saturday.

It was another unforgettable day of trail running, community celebration and high-country hospitality.

With runners taking on either the 33km ‘Ultimate Challenge’ or the 16km ‘Summit Dash’, the event launched from the iconic Thowgla Hall, sending participants up the brutally steep Hall Track and along the rugged Mount Elliot Ridge Track.

The ascent to Mount Elliot’s summit, with gradients reaching a punishing 25 per cent, rewarded every stride with sweeping panoramic views that made the climb unforgettable.

Whether navigating the fern-filled forests of Fishers Track or cruising past curious Black Angus cattle on McCormacks Track, runners were treated to a course that blended breathtaking scenery with serious elevation – 1,388m for the 33km course and 735m for the 16km.

Race Director, Mat Dore, said “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome such an exceptional field of runners this year.

“Athletes like Tania Willey and Jordan Maki-Richards brought elite-level energy to the course, while local legends such as Rhys McKee and Joanne Beirs showcased the incredible talent right here in our community.

“It’s this blend of national calibre and local heart that makes Run Upper Murray so special.”

The 33km Ultimate Challenge saw powerhouse performances from Riordan Bell who claimed the men’s title and Tania Willey, who not only won the women’s division but also shattered the course record with a blazing time of 3:40:47.

In the 16km event, Rhys McKee and Elly Jackson took top honours with Jackson delivering a standout run that left spectators in awe. Her commanding finish earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of the day’s fiercest competitors.

The event hub at the Thowgla Hall buzzed with energy thanks to the warm support of local farmers, volunteers and community members, who rallied behind the event with true Upper Murray pride. Corryong College kept runners fuelled with a mouthwatering BBQ, while the soulful sounds of Renate Coppola provided the perfect soundtrack to a day of grit and celebration.

Organisers have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback, with many participants already pledging to return in 2026 – this time bringing friends and family along for the ride. While the 2026 date is yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an even bigger and bolder chapter in the Run Upper Murray story.

From seasoned trail warriors to first-time adventurers, Run Upper Murray continues to prove that when community and nature come together, magic happens.

Full results and images are on the Run Upper Murray Facebook page. Stay tuned for 2026 updates at runuppermurray.com.au.

Results 33km Race – Male

• 1st – Riordan Bell 3:32:13.9
• 2nd – Keegan McArdle 3:36:02.9
• 3rd – Jarrod Spagnolo 3:48:03.0
• Others – Jesse Wellington 3:50:07.7, Dylan Howard 3:54:51.9, Matt Sharp 3:55:17.1, Tim Beer 3:56:28.6, Matt Bell 4:07:35.3, Dylan Connell 4:10:55.4, Nate Wilkins 4:11:35.1, Scott Beams 4:17:45.4, Corey Hoffmann 4:31:02.0, Nicholas Sanders 4:45:41, Belamy Ressom 4:48:49.6, Paul Boulton 5:00:27.8, Dylan Outtrim 5:03:16.2, Joshua Pearson 5:05:48.2, Mark Hore 5:09:59.3, Barry Hobbs 5:31:50.2, Phil Carr 6:12:18.1.

3km Race – Female

• 1st – Tania Willey 3:40:47.0
• 2nd – Jordan Maki-Richards 3:51:40.2
• 3rd – Claire Sherwill 4:08:07.3
• Others – Michelle Beattie 4:15:19.7, Sarah Tremont 4:29:28.5, Alison Welsh 4:51:07.9, Lyndal Cass 4:57:51.0, Rachael Walker 5:11:50.3, Maddison Reis-ner 5:11:50.4, Cerina Meredith 5:25:20.6, Mandy Hobbs 5:29:30.4, Lizzy Walsh 6:01:54.9, Mel Williamson 6:02:06.2, May Mitchell 6:12:17.9.

16km Race – Male

• 1st Rhys Mckee 1:29:23.1
• 2nd – Cody Poulton 1:34:39.4
• 3rd – Mitch Millett 1:39:42.8
• Others – Nathan Brown 1:55:10.1, Mike Flamenco 2:01:47.0, Dominic Hickey 2:04:01.1, Jim Barry 2:07:43.7, Jason Pearson 2:09:39.8, Kurtis Moore 2:16:37.1, Gerard Turn-bull 2:16:37.6, Vyner Smithwick 2:17:29.9, Craig Malcolm 2:28:34.9, Mat Hurdis, 2:33:52.1, Andrew Morrison 2:34:34.7, John Woollard 2:40:57.1 , Geoff Hoare 2:51:25.2, Matt Fagence 2:55:24.3, Mark Bentley 3:01:08.3, Scott Harding 3:01:10.6.

16km Race – Female

1st – Elly Jackson 1:23:11.0, Joanne Beirs 1:52:43.3, Georgia Spence 1:56:24.8, Jen Fankhauser 2:15:17.7, Michelle Roe 2:19:50.3, Crystal Steers, 2:20:13.8, Brooke Whitehead 2:22:33.9, Erin Wimhurst 2:24:54.5, Amy Nagle 2:25:10.7, Bryonie Ward 2:25:54.4, Josie Davidson 2:29:59.2, Chantelle Nixon 2:33:03.9, Kristy Williams 2:36:33.9, Courtney Young 2:47:08.9.

3km Race – Junior Male

• 1st – Olly Bell 16:24
• 2nd – Jack Barlee 16:36.4
• 3rd – Alfie Hickey 17:52.0
• 4th – Sonny Wilkins 28:26.6

3km Run – Junior Female

• 1st – Niamh Hickey 19:25.0
• 2nd – Carmel Hickey 19:36.3
• 3rd – Bridget Harding 20:53.3
• 4th – Hazel Barlee 24:23.7 

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 25 September 2025.