Longtime Bridge to Brisbane participant Bernie Kingsbury and Sue Johnson from Transurban. Picture: Annette Dew
Time to hit the bitumen for a worthy cause!
The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane fun run will mark its 25th anniversary this year with a return to the Gateway Bridge where the iconic event began. In a coup for the event, road operator Transurban has joined as a naming rights partner and the run will return to the original course for the first time in six years, with the finish line at the RNA Showgrounds. Up to 30,000 people can take part, and will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity in the process, after the event was paused last year due to COVID-19.
Transurban Queensland group executive Sue Johnson said the best thing about running on the Gateway was the 65m high views above the Brisbane River.
“To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bridge to Brisbane, Transurban is excited to be welcoming runners back to the iconic Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge (Gateway Bridge),” Ms Johnson said. “Thirty thousand participants will have the exclusive opportunity to run, walk or roll over one of the city’s most recognised bridges for the first time in six years.
“At the peak of the bridge, runners will be 65m above the Brisbane River with incredible views out to Moreton Bay and Brisbane City so dust off your joggers and join us back on the Bridge for this year’s Bridge to Brisbane.” The 5km course will begin at Hercules Park in Hamilton with a riverside run of the newly upgraded Kingsford Smith Drive and looping through Bowen Hills. The 10km course starts at the southern base of the Gateway Bridge in Murrarie, running up and over the bridge. “It will be a magic Brisbane morning when thousands of runners return to the landmark bridge,” Sunday Mail editor Kelvin Healey said. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Transurban to stage one of Brisbane’s favourite events.” The renewal of the event will be welcomed by many regulars like Bernie Kingsbury who has participated 15 times.
“I just love the anticipation and excitement that you can feel during Bridge to Brisbane,” Ms Kingsbury said. “It’s great to see the costumes people wear, the families getting involved and the overall community spirit. “I can’t wait to see the event back on the Gateway Bridge. I love the feeling of getting to the top of the bridge and looking out at the amazing views of the Bay and the city.”
Still haven’t gotten your ticket to The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane yet!? Well, this is your sign! And if you want the little ones to join, did you know that every ticket for participants under 15 years of age including a $5 donation to a nominated school charity!? How good is that? Purchase your ticket here!
This content was published in The Sunday Mail, on Sunday 21st March 2021. Journalist: Cormac Pearson