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Running Back in Time: The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane’s 22-Year History

18 July 2018/in Blog /by Sophie Wright

Twenty-two years of Bridge to Brisbane…oh, how time flies when you’re having fun!

What started out as a local community event has grown to be Queensland’s largest fun run! Today, tens of thousands of people take to the streets of Brisbane to celebrate being healthy and active, and enjoy all that is great about our river city. For many people, it’s also an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a charity of their choice.

Read on if you’d like to learn a little more about our 22-year history!

When was the first race?

The very first event kicked off in August 1997, with around 5000 participants. Back in the day, the race headed east towards the Manly coast line and was originally called the ‘Bridge to Bay’.

finish area of bridge to bay fun run at elanora park wynnum brisbane

View of the finish area of the Bridge to Bay fun run – Elanora Park, Wynnum. Photo taken by Mark/Cranitch on 3rd August 1997.

Fast forward to today, where the introduction of our new course in 2015 saw 30,000 people pound the pavement and our event sell out. Last year was the same, and this year is looking no different…so you’d better get in quick!

Who was the first winner?

For the first three years, Brissie local Pat Carroll managed to breeze past the competition and win the 12-kilometre 1997, 1998 and 1999 races. He was Queensland’s best distance runner at the time and crossed the finish line in just 34 minutes and 20 seconds. Here’s a fun fact… did you know the yellow figure in The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane logo is an illustration of Pat victoriously finishing the race back in 1997?!

How has the course changed over time?

Our course hasn’t always taken in the same sights as it does today!

people running down gateway bridge for bridge to brisbane

The Bridge to Brisbane used to start at the Gateway Bridge. Photo taken by Drew Fitzgibbon, 5th August 2007.

When we were the Bridge to Bay, we started on the Gateway Bridge and headed east towards the bayside suburb of Manly. The Gateway Bridge remained the starting point for many years, but the finish line changed a few times – our name change to Bridge to Brisbane saw the route finish at New Farm Park, before settling on the Brisbane Showgrounds in 2008.

people cross the bridge to brisbane finish line in bowen hills

Participants cross the Bridge to Brisbane finish line in Bowen Hills, 2015. Photo taken by Jono Searle.

After eight events encompassing this route, 2016 marked the arrival of two brand new courses, created to encompass more of Brisbane than ever before. These are the same courses participants will take this year, and they’re here to stay!

The 10km course starts at Roma Street Parklands and crosses three of Brisbane’s iconic bridges – the Go Between Bridge, the Victoria Bridge and the Story Bridge – and the 5km starts at the beautiful Captain Burke Park, crossing the Story Bridge twice. Both courses finish in the South Bank Parklands where participants can enjoy a morning of fun and relaxation with friends and family post-race.

Runners at start line for Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane 2017.

Runners at the start of the Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane, August 27, 2017. Photo taken by Jono Searle.

What’s new in 2018?

This year, the Finish Line for both courses is on Little Stanley Street, so your cheer squad can watch you from the South Bank Parklands and encourage you during your run.

We’ve also just launched the Bridge to Brisbane app, which is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store! With a countdown timer, event updates and selfie filters, make the app your go-to guide for race day 2018. Just search Bridge to Brisbane to download now.

We also launched a brand new Bridge to Brisbane merchandise line, as seen on our friends at FitazFk Gym in The Sunday Mail. With a range of items to suit all activewear enthusiasts, shop the full range right here ahead of race day!

two females and males modelling bridge to brisbane activewear

Stand out on the course with our new merchandise range. Photo taken by Macauley Ryan.

Why do people continue to race?

From the very beginning, The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane has been much more than just a run. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy our event – Bridge to Brisbane is all about celebrating the very best of Brisbane, while appreciating being healthy and active. Elite runners, budding joggers and casual walkers can all take part in Bridge to Brisbane and have an equally enjoyable experience.

It’s also a chance to give back to the community – participants are encouraged to raise money for a charity of their choice, or for The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. Since launching the event 22 years ago, participants have raised over $9 million for charities, including funds raised so far this year!

members of Team Cure Brain Cancer participating in Bridge to Brisbane

Team Cure Brain Cancer participating in The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane in 2017.

Where do I secure my spot?

What are you waiting for? Join us as we continue to make history and sign up today for Brisbane’s biggest and best fun run, taking place August 26, 2018!

The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 Go-To Guide

21 August 2017/in Blog /by Sophie Wright

Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 is less than a week away… yes, you heard correctly – in five days you will be waking up to make your way to the start line of Brisbane’s biggest community event.

Preparing for the day doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, so we’ve prepared this go-to guide for all Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 participants, to ensure you’re well and truly equipped for everything the day has in store.

PRE-RACE

RACE PACK

If you missed the mailing cut-off date, or opted to pick up your pack yourself, you will need to collect your pack from the Race Office at South Bank Piazza.

The Race Office will be open at South Bank Piazza during the below times for Race Pack collection:

Date	Time
Thursday 24 August, 2017	8:00am – 6:30pm
Friday 25 August, 2017	8:00 – 6:00pm
Saturday 26 August, 2017	8:00am – 2:00pm

Your Race Pack includes your race number and official event t-shirt. Your race number is your official ticket to free transport on the morning, race entry access and access to the huge range of specials on Bib-ileges offers at South Bank after the race.

Don’t forget to bring a copy of your official Entry Certificate! You can collect race packs for your friends too – but you will need a copy of their Entry Certificate to do this.

If you are part of a team, your team manager will have had your race kit posted to them already, or they will collect it on your behalf prior to the race.

GETTING TO THE START LINE

There will be a number of road closures and changes to traffic conditions throughout inner Brisbane on the morning of Sunday, August 27. A map of all road closures is available here.

We recommend you take advantage of the free public transport options on race day to save you both money and stress! Simply show your official race bib and enjoy free travel until 3pm. Bus and train times can be found here, but please note that ferries are not free on race day.

If you decide to drive, our friends at the go via network are waiving tolls on the Go Between Bridge and Clem 7 Tunnel on race day from 2am – 1pm.

THE RACE

START TIMES/LOCATIONS

6:00am	10km Blue & Red Elite Wheelies and Runners Start	Wickham Terrace, Access via Roma Street Parklands Boulevard
6:20am	10km Green Runners Start	Wickham Terrace, Access via Roma Street Parklands Boulevard
6:55am	10km Yellow Joggers Start	Albert Street, next to Roma Street Parklands
7:10am	10km Grey Walkers Start	Albert Street, next to Roma Street Parklands
9:20am	5km Event Start – Elite Purple to start first	Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point

COURSE DETAILS

The 10km course starts at the top of the Roma Street Parklands, on College Road, Spring Hill.

Bridges crossed: Go Between Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Story Bridge
Water Stations: 10km start line, Cultural Centre Tunnel, Marriott Hotel, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point & Finish Line.
Toilets: 10km start line, Kurilpa Park, Ivory Street, Martin Street, Finish Village.

The 5km course starts at Captain Burke Park, at the end of Main Street, Kangaroo Point.

Bridges crossed: Story Bridge (twice)
Water Stations: 5km Start line, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point and Finish Line.
Toilets: 5km Start Line, Martin Street and the Finish Village.

Look out for our volunteer pace setters as you go! They’ll be completing the race holding a coloured balloon related to their running time. They’re there to motivate you to beat your personal best time on race day.

Remember to stay hydrated throughout the race by stopping at our water stations. It might also be a chilly morning, so we encourage you to bring a jumper that you don’t mind leaving behind and we will collect them to donate to charity on your behalf.

POST-RACE

Race times for Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 will be posted as soon as possible after the race at couriermail.com.au, so keep your eyes peeled! Our Facebook page will post the link to these as soon as they are available.

The feeling of finishing the race is a fantastic reward in itself, but for those of you with a competitive streak, there are a number of prizes available on the day! As well as 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in the 5km and 10km events, there are also prizes up for grabs for best dressed, highest fundraisers, and more.

FINISH VILLAGE

The fun doesn’t stop when you cross the Finish Line on race day – organise for your friends and family to meet you in the South Bank Parklands and enjoy a beautiful day in our Finish Village. You couldn’t ask for a more stunning backdrop than our beautiful CBD just across the river, as well exploring South Bank and the Parkland surrounds.

There’s nothing better than a big brekky after your race, especially when it’s free! The Courier-Mail have a special offer for Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 participants who take advantage of their exclusive subscription for just $1 for the first 28 days – you’ll receive a complimentary breakfast for you and a friend in the exclusive Sunday Mail marquee.

BIB-ILEGES

Just like last year, we’ve teamed up with a bunch of your favourite South Bank retailers to offer special deals to all race day participants.

Show your race bib and receive discounted food and drinks, freebies, and more as part of our Bib-ileges program! The full list of Bib-ileges can be found here.

There you have it – the ultimate guide to Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017!

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below, or send us a message on Facebook. Otherwise, we’ll see you at the start line on August 27!

Share your race day snaps with us by using the hashtags #Bridge2Brisbane and #BestTimeBNE!

Five Ways to Shake Up Your Fitness Regime

2 June 2017/in Blog /by Sophie Wright

With May done and dusted and winter officially upon us here in Brisbane, we have less than three months until Brisbane-ites pound the pavement for Queensland’s favourite fun run, Bridge to Brisbane Day.

The month of June has already brought with it much more chilly mornings than we’re used to, and the temptation to hit the snooze button every morning and stay curled up in a warm, sleepy ball is more real than ever before.

But while the rest of Brisbane goes into hibernation, now is the perfect opportunity to up the ante on your fitness routine and take advantage of the quieter winter months…here’s how!

1. Become a team player

We’ll let you in on a little secret – playing a social sport is so much more fun than it is hard work, that sometimes you forget you’re exercising! You can play a highly cardio-intensive sport, such as basketball, touch football or soccer and forget that you’ve just run the equivalent length of a court or field more times than you can count.

PLUS the added guilt you feel when you cancel on a group of friends means there’s almost no excuse not to show up…nobody wants to let the team down.

2. Embrace the group mentality

Do you need some #mondaymotivation every day of the week? Group exercise classes are a great way to mix up your fitness routine and will speed up the road to your fitness goals. With great music, inspiring instructors and a range of different classes to suit your fitness levels and interests, the time goes by quickly!

ADDED TIP: For classes that will get your heart pumping, try HIIT, F45 or Body Attack classes. If you prefer a more gentle style of exercise, yoga or Pilates classes might be up your alley.

3. That’s what friends are for

Exercising with company is always more fun, especially if you and your pals share similar exercise interests. Not only will you be less inclined to bail on your buddies, working out together kills two birds with one stone – it’s a great opportunity to catch up and socialise, while still squeezing a workout into your packed schedule.

4. A change of scenery

Everybody has their ‘go-to’ training tracks, but switching up your regular route not only keeps it fun and fresh, but it also builds your strength. Do you normally run outdoors? Pop into a gym for a change. Normally run by the river? Switch the fresh water for sea water and travel to the beach for a new vantage point AND more challenging training track.

5. Treat yourself

When you are pushing yourself extra hard at the gym, or waking up before the sun’s up to go for a run, it’s super important to reward yourself in order to keep those motivation levels at a high. Why not treat yourself to a coffee after your run, or meet a friend for brunch before power-walking it off?

By no means does the reward need to be food-related – it might be an experience, such as a swim at the beach, or some spectacular scenery at the end of an uphill incline.

ADDED TIP: It’s also important to remember that sometimes the best way you can treat yourself and your body is by having a rest. Make sure to give yourself a pat on the back in whatever way will keep you motivated and take a ‘rest day’ when your body is telling you you need it!

How do you spice up your fitness regime to achieve your fitness goals? Let us know in the comments below.

Share your training snaps with us by using the hashtags #bridge2brisbane and #besttimebne!

Haven’t registered for race day? Enter now to take advantage of our Early Bird registration period.