The Eurobodalla Shire came close to a major horse rustling incident on Sunday.
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The site of a dappled grey miniature pony looking over a fence on South Head Road, Moruya, caused maximum temptation to a certain Australian Community Media editor.
Said editor was regretting her decision to "run" on a sunny spring morning from Riverside Park to the Moruya Surf Life Saving Club. Lifesavers were required well before the 8km finish line was in sight.
A ride on a pony, no matter how small said pony was in stature, would have been very welcome at that stage of the race. In the interests of equine welfare, the editor overrode her baser instincts.
The annual Moruya Town to Surf Fun Run is an inspiring event on so many levels and we are so glad it is continuing. The $5000 raised goes directly to equipment to ensure everyone gets home safely from a great day at the beach.
There were so many special moments: outstanding performances from serious athletes and people who deserved medals just for getting out the door. Thankfully, everyone who crossed the finish line did get a medal - and the one hanging in the editor's home will be forever valued.
Forever inspiring is that Narooma High School teacher Sally Jeffrey, running in the 60-plus years category, finished in 35.47. She will be forever known as Sizzling Sal in this office. It was also enough to give the triathlete fifth place overall from 135 entrants.
Check out the other runners aged 60-plus on the club's online results table: running, walking, limping or rolling over the line, they all deserve applause, as do all the parents pushing prams.
Applause as well to the determined Asha Martin, who just keeps pushing to the line, winning the women's event in 30.55, ahead of the speedy pair Lauren Evans and Olivia Stutchbury. Fourth overall was gutsy Emily Gearside, running in the 40-49 category.
The men too showed aged makes you stronger: Jacob Grooby (30-39), ran a blistering 26:41 to win overall, with Robert Harrison (18-29) second, James Minto (30-39) third and Dan Lloyd Jones (40-49) fourth in 27:37.
Other favourites were the boy who, about 100 metres from the finish line, looked as if he had given everything he had - and found a little more to beat the editor home. The biggest cheer goes to the stayer, Lucas Stabback, pictured, who crossed in 1:26:29.