Officials said it was a great way to promote healthy lifestyles, while also raising funds for the Sapphire Coast Arts and Sports Youth Development Fund. 

The group are aimed at recognising and helping develop local talent where possible.

A good number of entrants gathered at the end of Merigan Street, Pambula for the start of the run, which followed the path to the boat ramp in Merimbula. 

Locals and runners from as far afield as Sydney took to the course in Open, Masters and Junior categories for prizes generously donated by local businesses.

Volunteers from Merimbula Rotary, Marine Rescue Merimbula and Sapphire Coast Runners helped stage the event with Hertz Car Rentals providing a bus and driver to ferry runners back to the start. 

A spokesman for the event said the run was held in idyllic conditions with a great atmosphere created by the large group of enthusiastic runners. 

Many have already confirmed their return for 2019. 

Myles Wood from Sydney took out the open men’s in 17 minutes 27 seconds and Grace Hoitink from Canberra the open women’s in 19 minutes and 31 seconds.  Peter Dickson and Lisa Lukassen took out the masters categories with Chloe Walsh and Alex Daly crossing the line first in the juniors.