ENHANCED ENTERTAINMENT OFFERING AS COMMERCIAL PARTNERS RACE TO BE PART OF 30TH ANNIVERSARY BRIDGE TO BRISBANE

Participants and spectators will be treated to more entertainment and on course activations than ever before at this year’s 30^th anniversary Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks, courtesy of an enhanced commercial partnership program.

From performances by the iconic Underground Opera to DJs, bands, games, competitions and giveaways at the Finish Village, a record number of leading brands will be joining long-term supporters to activate as part of the milestone event on Sunday, 13 September.

In its first year being delivered by Events Management Queensland (EMQ), Transurban continues its longstanding association as naming rights partner and will be bringing plenty of fun to the event with the Underground Opera, Franky Smart Truck Band, a photo opportunity and face painting at the Finish Village.

Transurban will also create a sea of green on course, with a large running team of 400 entered for the race.

Transurban General Manager for Queensland Theuns Lloyd said, “Bridge to Brisbane is one of those special events our team looks forward to every year, when some of the City’s busiest roads are transformed into Queensland’s biggest fun run.

“Seeing tens of thousands of participants of all ages cross the Gateway Bridge, enjoy live entertainment along the course and celebrate together creates an atmosphere unlike anything else on Brisbane’s event calendar.”

Global running brand Brooks has upgraded its support of this year’s event by joining as Presenting Partner and will have a presence throughout the event including cross-promotional activations with fellow partners Brisbane BMW and The Athletes Foot.

Racegoers can win a BMW for the weekend by guessing how many pairs of Brooks shoes will fit into the boot of a BMW, while The Athletes Foot will be looking for the fastest 400m sector of the race with prizes to the fastest runners.

“Brooks has been a major partner of the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks for 25 years and we’re thrilled to extend our involvement as a presenting partner for this year’s 30^th anniversary celebrations,” said Brooks Retail Marketing Manager Pip Kirkwood.

“We want to help support runners ranging from first time participants to the avid runner and we are excited to be joining forces with other partners to deliver activations across the event.”

Skincare brand La Roche-Posay will celebrate securing naming rights to the iconic 10km race with sunscreen stations, photo opportunities and chill out zones, while LSKD will be activating with a heat pressing vinyl station.

The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is helping to raise awareness of men’s health and prostate cancer as proud sponsor and Gold Charity Partner of the “Blue Run 5km” – encouraging people to dress up in blue superhero outfits as well as setting up designated stations for spectators to make cheer signs and take photos.

Participants and spectators can enjoy product samples from Dr Hydrate, Cocobella and Red Bull while Nu Pure will provide water in the VIP areas and hydrating event volunteers.

Nova and Brisbane Festival will be adding to the entertainment offering with DJs and other special performances, while participants will have their chance to be seen on Channel 7 with live crosses and coverage on Sunrise throughout race morning.

Those hanging out for a Sunday morning coffee will be catered for by Fonzie Abbott who will also have retail beans on offer, while The Sunday Mail will be distributing papers in the event precinct.

Brisbane City Council will deliver free lawn games and activities in the Finish Village as part of the organisation’s Move Well Brisbane program while Hotel Indigo will run a golf simulator.

EMQ CEO Ben Mannion said the increased commercial support reflected the momentum building around Bridge to Brisbane in its milestone year.

“We have been incredibly encouraged by the response from the corporate community and the number of leading brands that want to be part of Bridge to Brisbane as we celebrate its 30th anniversary,” Mr Mannion said.

“Transurban has played an enormous role in the event over many years and we’re delighted to build on that foundation with Brooks coming on board as our Presenting Partner, together with La Roche-Posay, RBWH and our growing group of event partners.

“Bridge to Brisbane provides a unique opportunity for brands to engage directly with tens of thousands of Queenslanders through an event that is centred around health, participation, community and giving back.

“We want our partners to be much more than logos associated with the event. We want to work with brands that can enhance the participant experience, engage with the community and become part of the Bridge to Brisbane story.

“The growth of the commercial program is another important step in the evolution of the event and gives us an even stronger platform to continue building Bridge to Brisbane in the years ahead.”

The increased commercial support comes amid strong demand for the 2026 event, with organisers targeting a sell-out field of 40,000 participants for the 30th anniversary.

More than 38,000 runners, walkers and wheelies took part in 2025, while participants raised $1.1 million for hundreds of charities.