575 participants caught the final sunrise of the year in the 34th Dawnbuster Fun Run to raise money to support the Give Where You Live Foundation.
The annual fun run organised by the Geelong Cross Country Club in collaboration with Give Where You Live Foundation, raised over $9000 for the Foundation to help create a fairer, more equitable community. The important funds raised will support those in need in the community with a focus on food security, homelessness assistance and inclusive employment.
Give Where You Live Foundation Event Manager, Jo Wealands said the 5km course along the Geelong waterfront was held on 31 December in perfect conditions, and was a great way to kick off the new year.
“575 people joined us this year, which was 100 more runners than the previous year enjoying the scenic waterfront course. It was the perfect morning for a 5km run and was great to see the community join together to support the Foundation.”
Geelong Cross Country Club has been involved in the Dawnbuster Run since its inception in 1992, helping to establish the event as a popular New Year’s Eve tradition. Club President Kevin McNulty said the club is proud to co-organise the long-standing event with the Give Where You Live Foundation.
“We love encouraging runners to welcome 2026 with energy while raising funds for the community,” he said.
“For 34 years the Geelong Cross Country Club has partnered with the Give Where You Live Foundation to hold the Dawnbuster Fun Run. We’re very proud that this year’s event raised $9000 to give back to the community. There was a real atmosphere of celebration.”
Fastest times:
First Male – Ben Stevens,16:00
First Female – Nikki Curry, 18:22
Under 18 Male – Archie Harper 18:34
Under 18 Female – Isabelle Kays, 19:52
18-39 Male – Ben Stevens, 16:00
18-39 Female – Nikki Curry, 18:22
40-49 Male – Scott Krakouer, 17:31
40-49 Female – Alana Plymin, 19:31
50-59 Male – Keith Smith, 17:57
50-59 Female – Diane Ellis, 23:10
60-69 Male – Darren Riviere, 19:46
60-69 Female – Jen Dearnley, 25:43
70 and over Male – Peter Fuller, 24:02
70 and over Female – Wanda Kelly, 29:00
Fastest Times:
First Male – Ben Stevens,16:00
First Female – Nikki Curry, 18:22
Under 18 Male – Archie Harper 18:34
Under 18 Female – Isabelle Kays, 19:52
18-39 Male – Ben Stevens, 16:00
18-39 Female – Nikki Curry, 18:22
40-49 Male – Scott Krakouer, 17:31
40-49 Female – Alana Plymin, 19:31
50-59 Male – Keith Smith, 17:57
50-59 Female – Diane Ellis, 23:10
60-69 Male – Darren Riviere, 19:46
60-69 Female – Jen Dearnley, 25:43
70 and over Male – Peter Fuller, 24:02
70 and over Female – Wanda Kelly, 29:00