Sponsored runner's day in sun

Poolburn farmer Graham Sinnamon enjoys lunch with Poolburn School pupils (seated, from left) Max Kohler (8), Mia Nevill (9), Simone Keane (10), Jane Scott (11), Caitlin Turfus (10), and (standing, from left) Michael McBreen (12), Ben Sinnamon (10), Luke Turfus (12), Bethany Flannery (11), and Sinnead Flannery (11), at Flannery Lodge in Ophir yesterday.

Mr Sinnamon joined the pupils, who had been participating in a school writing and art camp at the lodge, to be presented with a cheque for just under $3000.

The money was raised during Mr Sinnamon's April run of the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail.

Many of the school's pupils had supported Mr Sinnamon by joining him on different sections of the trail.

Mr Sinnamon passed the cheque on to Bill Godsall, of Sport Otago, who said it would be used to buy sports equipment for Central Otago schools.

After sharing a warm meal with the pupils, Mr Sinnamon said he hoped teachers could join him on a run of the trail next year.

"Like every good movie, it must have a sequel," he said.