THE Anglesea Roo Run will hop into new hands in 2024, with a local professional athlete set to take on a leading role.

Anglesea resident and champion long distance runner Julian Spence will spearhead the fundraising initiative into its 11th year, following event organiser Mick Collins stepping down due to work commitments.

The Roo Run offers both elite and recreational athletes a fun and inclusive family-friendly running event on the Surf Coast.

Competitors compete in a 4km, 8km, and 1.5km Grommet Gallop each December on the beaches, riverbanks and clifftops of Anglesea.

Mr Spence, who has been an event ambassador for close to 10 years, said he was honoured to be taking the run forward.

“It’s super exciting to be working alongside the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club, the community and Mick in preparations for 2024,” he said.

“It’s got a great formula and is continuing to grow every year.

“We certainly won’t be making any big changes to it, but rather adding a bit of our running and event experience to the fantastic event it already is.”

Outgoing event lead Mick Collins said he was rapt to be bringing in some “fresh blood” for 2024.

“With my work commitments, it’s just getting harder and harder to give it the energy it needs, so it’s awesome to bring in someone with such a great passion for running like Julian,” he said.

“We were at risk of potentially losing it as an event, but to Julian’s credit, he put his hand up.

“We at the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club look forward to seeing where it goes and will back Julian all the way.”

The committee plans to open entries earlier this year.

“There just seems to be this running boom that seems to be sweeping over the country at the moment,” Mr Spence said.

“The Melbourne marathon, Geelong marathon, Great Ocean Road marathon and many more have all been selling out well before the event.

“We don’t want runners to miss out on the Roo Run, so opening things earlier will make it easier for athletes and us as organisers.”

The run will again be supported by local businesses including Mr Spence’s company The Running Company Geelong, which is about to open a store in Torquay. Entries and event details will be pushed through the shop in the coming weeks.

Read more information on the Roo Run.
Read Surf Coast Times story.

Image credit: Julian Spence and Michael Collins with the Roo Run mascot. Photo: NATHAN RIVALLAND