Deb Rielly's spirit lives on

The 2026 Deb Rielly Run for the Kids on Sunday February 22 returns to Kilcunda, and looks set to be the biggest yet.

This community event honours the memory of paramedic Deb Rielly, who was tireless in her efforts to help young people and support the local community.

Run for the Kids is based on Deb's original Keeping Kids on Track event, founded in 2012, and since being revamped in 2024 it features a half marathon, plus two kilometre, five kilometre and 10 kilometre timed runs.

Major sponsors SJD homes, said keeping Deb's spirit alive was the key reason they approached the organisers to get involved.

For Kim O'Connor, SJD Homes Construction Manager, the connection is personal.
Not only did Deb's commitment to her community closely align with the company's own community focus, Deb and Kim were personal friends.

The pair originally met in a professional capacity through Deb's work as a paramedic, and Kim's role as local CFA captain.

"Deb really appreciated the support the CFA gave her in her professional role, and we worked with them on a lot of emergency situations and accidents."

That mutual professional respect grew into a friendship outside of work, as the pair bonded over their love of playing music.

Kim said he always admired Deb's drive and commitment.

"She could get anything done. She had a massive network she could draw on."

In her honour, Kim said SJD Homes were keen to support the event and see it flourish.

"We are a local business that wants to make a real contribution to the community just as Deb did," he said.

That commitment is more than just financial.

SJD Homes staff have signed up as a team to compete, with others helping on an operational level on the day, and the company promotes the event through its socials.

Family-friendly

Frank Angarane runs the event on behalf of the Dalyston Football Netball Club, after personally promising Deb he would make sure it continued.

He said the support of SJD Homes would allow the event to continue to grow, "taking it to another level".

The sponsorship also makes it possible to keep ticket prices affordable - family prices are $25 - in comparison to other events.

"We want to encourage people to enter, and want to grow the event to bring it up to what Deb wanted," he said.

"And we also honour Deb's focus on fitness, the environment and getting kids out and exercising. We really want people to come and be a part of the event, and remember and recognise Deb's contribution to the community."

The mix of race lengths and run or walk options means the event encourages competitive athletes to take part, while still maintaining its broader appeal.

"While the run has expanded to attract serious competitors it still remains family-orientated with a range of distances for less serious runners and walkers," Frank explained.

"There is also the opportunity for competitors to form teams with prizemoney for the team with the most members."

Starting at the main Kilcunda Foreshore car park the various distances will take in the Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, Bass Coast Rail Trail and for the half marathon part of the George Bass Walk.

The event is organised by the Dalyston Football Netball Club with support from other community groups.

For further information contact the event coordinator Frank Angarane on 0418 529 310 or email ontheroad3995@gmail.com

To register go to: raceroster.com/events/2026/112964/deb-rielly-run-for-the-kids

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