For now, the March tradition will be on hold with the school community's organising committee deeming too much uncertainty amid the pandemic. To deliver the mammoth challenge, the committee needs to start planning now.

The community fun run is the major fundraiser for St Brendan's. In the past this has helped the school buy learning tools, like iPads, while promoting health and physical activity.

St Brendan's principal Inez French said it was disappointing but the school community was hoping for a return if not next year, then back on course the year after.

Event organisers have urged people to keep walking and running in the meantime, in a bid to stay healthy in challenging times.

Ballarat's biggest fun run, Run For A Cause, was pulled in mid-July from a November start due to uncertainty in pandemic restrictions.

Mountain of Fun Run offers a six-kilometre loop about Dunnstown and the big challenge, a 12.5km course adding in a Mount Warrenheip climb and chance to earn proof of ascension for the effort.

The event, which has had 11 starts, attracts some of Ballarat's top runners, including international ultra-marathon athletes Tash Fraser and reigning Mountain men's champion Ash Watson. Marathon runner Nic van Raaphorst, with Fraser, is a long-time event ambassador and running mentor to pupils.

St Brendan's pupils typically run laps of the school oval to prepare. Most play a volunteer role on the day and enjoy a chance to speak with runners and walkers on course.

Stay tuned at Mountain of Fun Run/Walk on Facebook.

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.