CATHY Freeman stole the spotlight at the 12th annual MRA Cranbourne GP Run on Saturday.
The Olympic champion waved the chequered flag to send thousands of motorcyclists on their way from High Street in Cranbourne to the MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Freeman was a hit with the crowd, signing autographs and having her photo taken with fans.
Chairperson for the event’s organising committee and MC for the day, councillor Wayne Smith, said it was a fantastic day and thanked council staff for their hard work.
“Cathy Freeman had an absolute ball,” Cr Smith said.
“Each year, the addition of new activities and entertainment cements the reputation of the event as a great day out in Cranbourne for riders and families,” Cr Smith said.
This year there were a range of activities on offer including a rock-climbing wall, go-karts, sandwizard activity, face painting, football activities provided by the Melbourne Football Club, the Casey 360 youth bus and a skilful roving performers.
Local resident Lesley Taukatelata won a competition to sing the national anthem at this year’s event.
Cr Smith said Lesley’s performance was “simply outstanding”.
“Lesley’s soulful singing style enthralled riders and added a fantastic musical element to the morning’s activities.”
Sergeant Pat McGavigan from Casey Highway Patrol said there were no traffic problems at the event on Saturday, and also no trouble with motorists returning from Phillip Island on Sunday.
“The traffic coming back from the island behaved brilliantly. There wasn’t an issue,” Sgt McGavigan said.
“It was an absolutely sensation day, as usual.”
