GET ready for the run of your life. Entries open today for The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane event.
There is a 5km and 10km course open to runners, walkers, wheelies and pram pushers and this year the event is expected to attract more than 50,000 participants.
Last year’s second-placegetter in the women’s 10km race, Claire Geraghty, said she was counting down the weeks to the Sunday, August 29, event.
She has already started training in order to beat her time of 35 minutes 46 seconds. She also placed second in two previous races. “It’s great because it’s a race that’s recognised – with all the publicity and build-up it’s fantastic,” said Ms Geraghty, 24, who won the Noosa Half Marathon women’s race last weekend. “For serious runners it’s what we love doing, but either way for everyone it’s great to be part of something so huge.”
Ms Geraghty’s enthusiasm has rubbed off on her parents Peter and Kerry, who plan to talk part as walkers this year. “But mum’s normally the one that drops us off at the start of the race, so I don’t know what we’re going to do now,” she joked. Queensland Newspaper managing director Jerry Harris said the event was the largest recognised community sporting event in the state.
“Since the first race in 1997, we have raised $3.14 million for charity,” Mr Harris said. “That’s 249,000 people who have helped 13 different organisations realise their goals.
“Our first event in 1997 attracted 4500 runners. Last year we had more than 45,000.”
You don’t need to be an athlete to join in. The 10km and 5km options cover all abilities, from walking to running a record-beating time.
Participants in the 10km course start from the Murarrie end of the new Gateway Bridge and go along Kingsford Smith Drive and the Inner City Bypass to finish at the Ekka Showgrounds.
The 5km course begins at Remora Rd, Hamilton, and also finishes at the Ekka Showgrounds.
A post-race celebration will be held at the Ekka Showgrounds, where participants can relax with friends and family and explore the race village as it comes alive with expo stalls, food vendors and entertainment.
Entrants also have a chance to drive home in a new car valued at $20,000.
Two Suzuki Swift S Series manual vehicles, including on-road costs, courtesy of Suzuki Auto Co, are up for grabs.
As an early entry bonus, one car winner will be drawn from all mail and online entries received by 11.59pm on Friday, August 6.
The second car will be drawn from entrants’ random draw tags placed in the Suzuki display by 11am on race day.
Both prizes will be drawn on the day.
Anyone can enter online at www.bridgetobrisbane.com.au
