THE Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running Festival is fast approaching.

Sunday, September 11 will see the community event for people of all ages and abilities return.

Australian long distance running great and Running Festival ambassador Steve Moneghetti has been a runner in this event since it began and he said having the Running Festival back on the calendar is a great thing.

“It’s exciting to think that events are happening again,” Moneghetti said.

“With Covid we’ve been cocooned a little bit so it’s great to have the opportunity to get out and enjoy a big event.”

The Running Festival consists of the Beachside Radiology Half Marathon, C.ex Group 10km, Coastal Works 5km Fun Run/Walk and the Key Employment 3km Fun Run/Walk.

This year the event is introducing a new event which is the Half Marathon, 10km and 5km combined to make the total distance 36.1km called the Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast Nyami and Jaanybarr of the Creek.

Moneghetti, who turns 60 later this month, said the beautiful bush trail on the Coffs Creek Walkway is a major reason why he returns year after year.

“I love that track,” he said.

“I’ve run on a lot of tracks around Australia and this one is one of the best.

“You run in beautiful forest on great trails and recycled materials paths and then all of a sudden when you cross that bridge, incredibly you’re only 10 seconds away from the centre of town.

“You run past the cemetery and the Botanic Garden and it’s just such a beautiful track.

“I don’t like racing on it as much because when I’m on the Coffs Creek Walkway I just want to try and take it all in.”

What also brings the Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist back is the fact the Festival raises funds for local Rotary charities including Life Education and Early Connections.

He added that anybody unsure about being part of the day should jump right in as he’s sure they’ll enjoy themselves.

“The course speaks for itself and the atmosphere around the event is something that I treasure,” he said.

“So many of the competitors are really friendly and there’s nothing better than running with like minded people. It’s a very family friendly event.”

Go to coffsrunfestival.com to enter. so don’t miss out. Entries close on Friday, September 9.