It was a bittersweet day in Glenavy last Saturday when the annual Salmon Run charity event held its 10th and final run near the banks of the Waitaki River.
Chief organiser Chris Paul said the event raised $1500 towards improving the playground at Glenavy.
Totally candid about how the race initially started, Mr Paul said he stole the idea from the Wanaka duck race.
The course used to run all the way down to the rest area at the Waitaki Bridge from the put-in at Te Maiharoa Rd bridge over Waikakahi Stream, but the race was shortened to make it easier and safer for the children to run after and follow them, he said.
The charity had raised more than $15,000 over the 10-year span, Mr Paul said.
"We have raised money for all sorts of things. It’s good for the community," he said.
But he said it was time for him to step away and that he hoped another group or the local school PTA would takeover the event.
Mr Paul said that in this year’s race 500 $5 tickets were up for grabs, of which 317 sold.
Each "fish" was numbered with a corresponding ticket as part of the fundraiser, and there was a prize of $500 for the winner and $200 for second.
The fish were released into the Waikakahi Stream from the Te Maiharoa Rd bridge on Saturday with dozens of people participating in the event.
As a goodbye, he said he would like to thank past committee members and supporters and give a nod to his sponsors, Stills Machinery, Oamaru Vet, Whitestone Cheese, Real Radio 104, Glenavy Store, Farm Source and Farmlands for their support.
By Graham McKerracher
