Sell out crowd celebrates 30th anniversary Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks

Sell out crowd celebrates 30th anniversary Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks

A sea of colour today descended across the streets of Brisbane as a sold-out crowd of 40,000 entrants came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks.

In its first year being delivered by Events Management Queensland (EMQ), today’s capacity crowd is the largest over the current Gateway Bridge course and the second biggest in the event’s history.

It marks the fourth consecutive year that Queensland’s largest fun run has attracted a capacity crowd, with runners from 21 countries and every state and territory in Australia taking part.

Currently, over $900,000 has been raised for a range of different charities. Participants and spectators were treated to more entertainment and on course activations than ever before 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.

While the focus was firmly on fun, competition was fierce in the elite classes, with Callum Davies (29:15) making it back-to-back victories in the men’s La Roche-Posay 10km and Alexandra Lyndon (33:07) taking honours in the women’s event. Tristan Orchard (28:09) claimed victory in the men’s wheelchair event while Sara-Ashlee Tait won the women’s 10km wheelchair event (38:08).

Toowoomba runner Brielle Erbacher (16:38) made history by claiming her third straight victory in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Foundation Blue Run 5km, while Brisbane local Padraig Heffernan (14:06) claimed victory in the men’s event.

La Roche-Posay 10km – Winners – Callum Davies / Alexandra Lyndon

Callum Davies on claiming back-to-back victories in the La Roche-Posay 10km

“I wanted to win … I won last year and I wanted to win again. I knew Jordan (Skelly) and Lachie (Moore) were in good form so I wanted to make them work for it.

“There was a lot of running in my prep for this race – about 140km a week and then a bit of a taper at the end to try and freshen up and feel good.

“I’ve had a mindset switch recently to really try and enjoy the run, not just because I’m good at it and that’s really helped when things get tough – I remind myself I’m there because I want to do it.”

Alexandra Lyndon on winning the women’s La Roche-Posay 10km

“I have a background in surf lifesaving, I came from Tasmania and chased the Nutri Grain ironwoman series and then retired from that and had a couple of kids. Running is my outlet, it’s a happy place for me.

“This is my first time at Bridge to Brisbane and the entertainment on the course was amazing with music the whole way – I loved the opera under the tunnel – it sounded so good echoing through. Everyone’s cheering, you’ve got the Dr Hydrate team out there cheering and lots of signs of support. The atmosphere out there was fantastic – I think there’s a real boom in running and positivity for everyone and anyone. I love it, I think it uplifts everyone.

“This is my first time here but not my last, I think I’ll line up a few now that I’m coming out of the trenches with the children (5yo & 2yo) – sleep is getting a little bit better and I feel like I have a balance at home and I’m super lucky to be supported by my coach and family.”

Wheelchair 10km – Winners – Tristan Orchard / Sara-Ashlee Tait

Tristan Orchard on winning the men’s 10km wheelchair event

“I’m feeling really good and I’m happy with the time. Brisbane turned the weather on.

“This is great progress for me – it’s my first time in a racing chair so I’m happy with that and I’ll see where I go from here.

“The entertainment was great – it scared me in the tunnel, the noise came out of nowhere and I wasn’t expecting it but it was really good. The supporters were all out there – this is just a great event for everyone.”

Sara-Ashlee Tait on winning the women’s 10km wheelchair event

“It was a very last minute decision to enter, I only entered on Wednesday. I’m a rower and I usually do a two-hour row on Saturday’s but my coach decided to give me the weekend off so I thought I’ll do this instead. I always love to do this course, it’s one of my favourites.

“The support on course was next level. I heard everyone screaming so it was just amazing out there. I love those opera singers, I think they’re my favourite entertainment on course.”

RBWH Foundation Blue Run 5km – Winners – Padraig Heffernan / Brielle Erbacher

Padraig Heffernan on winning the men’s Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Foundation Blue Run 5km

“I’m very happy, it was a good time, a big PB for me actually but I haven’t run the distance for a little bit.

“Going into it, I didn’t really have a time in mind, I just thought I’ll get to the front and hopefully take the win, which I did so I’m very happy.

“It’s my first time doing the Bridge to Brisbane it was a pretty good experience.”

Brielle Erbacher on winning the women’s Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Foundation Blue Run 5km

“This is one of the most fun events of the year because you also have the team aspect as well and we always put in a team of five from Toowoomba and we come down here and try to compete against the other guys. It’s always really well organised and a great event to be part of.

“Timing wise it works really well coming off the cross country season and getting ready for track.”

EMQ CEO Ben Mannion said today’s event was a fitting way to celebrate its milestone anniversary.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary with a capacity field, so much colour all along the course and a constant stream of smiles all throughout the day,” said Mannion.

“EMQ’s focus has always been to build on the incredible foundations which have been created over the past three decades and we’re delighted with what we were able to deliver in our first year.

“Whether participants are chasing a personal best, walking with family and friends or fundraising for a cause close to their heart, Bridge to Brisbane continues to be an event that brings people together like few others.”

Transurban General Manager for Queensland Theuns Lloyd said

“Sunday was a fantastic celebration of 30 years of Bridge to Brisbane. We’re proud to have supported this event over its long history and to have seen it grow into Queensland’s biggest fun run.

“It’s the only morning of the year the Gateway Bridge swaps cars for tens of thousands of runners and walkers. Seeing [40,000] people stretching across the bridge is one of Brisbane’s most memorable annual moments, and it’s a privilege to give the community the chance to experience our roads in a completely different way.”

Brooks Retail Marketing Manager Pip Kirkwood said

“What a spectacular way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks with so much colour , energy and so many pairs of our Brooks shoes on the feet of excited finishers.

“This event continues to go from strength to strength and to support the 40,000 participants through our involvement as a presenting partner this year has been an absolute thrill.”