The distinctive thump of vintage engines echoed across the back roads this week as the Two Rivers Tractor Run rolled into its sixth official trek, bringing together tractor enthusiasts from across the region to fundraise for the fight against motor neurone disease.

While the event was held more than a decade after the first run, organisers confirmed this year’s outing was the sixth full-scale trek, following runs in 2014, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024 and now 2026.

Participants covered between 60 and 70km a day, travelling mostly on gravel and minor roads to minimise disruption to traffic.

Tractors were split into two groups based on speed, with slower machines cruising at around 20km/h and faster models comfortably reaching 35km/h.

The convoy featured an impressive lineup of classic machinery, including Chamberlains, David Browns and two of the oldest working tractors on the run — a pair of Lanz Bulldogs dating back to the mid-1930s.

The single‑cylinder Bulldogs drew plenty of attention, renowned for their distinctive “thump, thump” exhaust note and dramatic smoke rings that can be heard and seen from kilometres away.

Event secretary Robyn Cole said keeping the tractors moving was a team effort, with backup support on hand if needed.

“We’ve got one of our members who owns an ex‑NRMA recovery truck, so he follows with flashing lights ... occasionally with a tractor on the back,” Ms Cole said.

“We haven’t had to load one this time, but we’ve had a few tyre problems.

“One bloke repaired his tyre three times in one day.”

Beyond the machinery, the run continues to raise significant funds through donations, raffles and auctions.

One participant, Pat Doyle, said individual donations ranged from small contributions at roadside stops to thousands of dollars from families and local supporters, with tens of thousands raised across recent events.

Evenings on the run were just as important as the driving, with local clubs hosting meals, including sit‑down dinners, raffles and a major public auction planned for the final night at Yarrawonga.

With some participants aged well into their 70s and beyond, organisers said the event was as much about community and camaraderie as it was about tractors.

Judging by the smiles and the steady beat of old engines, the Two Rivers Tractor Run is showing no signs of slowing down.

Saturday night’s final event is open to the public, with a dinner, raffle and auction to be held at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds.

For more information, or to make a donation to the Two River Tractor Run, visit its Facebook page, or contact Robyn Cole on 0427 246 439.

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Wednesday, 17th February 2027

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