Yesterday the Forbes Running and Triathlon Club presented $300 each to the Lions Club and Rotary Ipomoea as well as $1500 to their major charity, Lach Haven.

The money was raised from the event in October last year which saw 200 competitors run either 5km, 10km or a half marathon around Lake Forbes. 

The Running Festival, previously the Rotary Ipomoea Charity Fun Run, has used the event as one of their major charity drives for 15 years. 

Senior supervisor for Lach Haven Ashley Spackman said the long-standing support from the club makes a big difference to the service. 

“It’s very much greatly appreciated, they have been supporting us for many years,” she said. 

Member of Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Helen Pitt said their donation will go into general funds for the community.

“We really appreciate it,” she said. 

“It is most unexpected that the committee chose to donate to us.”

Last year the Forbes Running and Triathlon Club replaced the Forbes Fun Run in order to expand and make room for more events. 

Since that time, the club’s committee has doubled and they have planned a new event, the Forbes Triathlon. 

The inaugural triathlon is planned for Sunday, February 22.

Treasurer of the Forbes Running and Triathlon Club Mike Sutcliffe said the first triathlon will be used to gauge interest in the new sporting event as well as encourage people to try the sport. 

“The triathlon is designed to get people who have never done it before to get involved,” he said. 

The triathlon will take place in and around Lake Forbes ski dam and will offer two races - one featuring a 200 metre swim, 10 kilometre ride and 2km run, or a longer event with 400m swim, 20km ride and 4km run.