Now in its eighth year, it will be the first time the event is run in its own backyard.
Starting in 2014, the Johnno's Run team has traditionally challenged itself at Run Melbourne each year.
Community Living & Respite Services chief executive Leah Taaffe said her team was excited to bring Johnno's Run back to its community roots.
“We are going to stay here in the Echuca-Moama community and do our run locally every year from here on in,” she said.
After last year's event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, CLRS officially launched its 2021 event in style at Echuca's Aquatic Reserve on Sunday.
There, it was announced Johnno's Run would be held on either Sunday, September 12 or 19, with dates to be confirmed in coming weeks.
Ms Taaffe said the CLRS team was working closely with Murray River Council to firm up the date and get a route locked in.
“Currently the plan is to do 5km and 10km runs, with a 21km still on the wish list,” Ms Taaffe said.
Johnno's Run is one of CLRS's major fundraisers each year, with money raised going towards the Opening Doors project.
Up to $366,000 has been raised through the event since its creation.
This year, CLRS's next Opening Doors project will also have a different spin on it, with town planning already submitted for a new housing project in Barry St, Echuca.
The property will see four individual units built for people with disability who want to live independently, which differs from shared housing built in previous projects.
“The reason we are doing something different is because of the community interest in the types of houses that they want to build,” Ms Taaffe said.
“We're changing our projects up to make sure we're meeting the needs of the people in our community and not just doing the same thing all the time.”
Also speaking at the launch was Rod Cairns, who encouraged anyone interested in joining the Johnno's Run team to get involved.
“It's a great activity for people who are looking to become more active, to meet people and for families to spend time together,” Mr Cairns said.
“It's suitable for people of all fitness levels and abilities — you can run, walk or wheel.
“The important thing is you are part of a supportive team that is doing a great job of raising money for the Opening Doors project and raising awareness of the need to provide supported accommodation for people with disabilities in our community.”
● Johnno's Run training sessions re-started on Monday night, with weekly sessions to be held until the event in September.
The training route is slightly different to previous years. Participants should now meet at the top of the kiosk at Riverboat Dock on Watson St, Echuca from 5.15pm.
For information about Johnno's Run, contact Liz Rowsell on 5480 2388 or email lrowsell@clrs.org.au
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