MEET the fastest child on three wheels.
Isabel Flack, 4, is a keen jockey for her runner dad Richard.
Many top runners from last year’s The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane will remember Mr Flack overtaking them and completing the 10km run in a solid 42 mins and 50 secs.
Just for the record, Mr Flack said there had been no motorised assistance, merely a few noses out of joint because he could go so fast while pushing 25kg.
Isabel is a practised passenger – she races with dad almost every weekend at Sherwood Forest Park in Brisbane’s west with a big group of runners.
Mr Flack does however admit that getting up the first incline on the Gateway Bridge was a challenge.
“It was tough, I might have over-estimated how well I would go,” he said.
“Isabel was really enjoying the crowd though.
“She’s always been a good jockey and on that day especially so, because of all the people and the buzz.
“I did have a few people who asked for a lift, but I can’t say there was any spare room.”
Another person who enjoys the buzz is cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist, who is one of the hundreds of keen fundraisers in the race to top up their cash tally with a dollar-for-dollar offer.
While Autism Queensland is the official The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane recipient, individuals and teams are working hard to raise funds for their charity of choice.
This year Suncorp will match dollar-for-dollar the highest fundraiser’s tallies, with up to $15,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for teams through their Everyday Hero program, which connects people with causes they care about.
Suncorp Bank Community Ambassador and Aussie cricket hero Gilchrist said the pledge offered even more incentive for participants to boost their fundraising efforts and would benefit their charities of choice.
So far more than $153,000 has been raised by the general public through the Everyday Heroes website. “I am really proud to be participating this year and along with Suncorp Bank, encourage everyone to do their bit for such an important cause,” he said.
“The money raised could help Autism Queensland extend their crucial Kidstart and Early Intervention Programs.”
Meet Gilchrist at the Ekka Showgrounds on the day.
He will be at the 5km start and the showgrounds after the event.
For those participating on the day, don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat.
Suncorp Bank will be giving away 50,000 hats and free sunscreen at the Sunscreen Stations located at both the 5km start of the race and Ekka Showgrounds.
http://fundraise.bridgeto brisbane.com.au for fundraising information.