Expanded capacity & over 35,000 participants expected, the Brisbane Showgrounds finishing village will make this Sunday’s community fun run one of the biggest in the event’s 28-year history.
“The Bridge to Brisbane really is unique in the way it brings our community together and showcases our city in such a positive light,” The Sunday Mail editor Melanie Pilling said. “To sell out again shows how popular the event remains after nearly 30 years.
“And everyone can take part in this event, regardless of your ability or aspiration, that’s the beauty of it.”
There will be a number of road closures around the city and event course next Sunday morning.
The Gateway Bridge southbound will be closed until 9.30am. Transurban will make the Clem7 southbound and Airportlink M7 southbound toll free between 5am and 9.30am to improve traffic flow during the event.
The 10km course will start at Murrarie, taking participants over the Gateway Bridge and along Kingsford Smith Drive where the 5km course starts.
Organiser Rebecca Harwood, from Event Services Management Australia, said: “Running is certainly very trendy and Bridge to Brisbane is a must-do event every year.
“A lot of planning has gone into the participant experience at the event, with so many different acts and entertainment points along the way. Everything from bands, DJs, Brazilian drummers through to opera.
“New for this year, we will have a race cam just after the 5km mark where you can see yourself running past.
“The Finish Village will be action packed. Participants will cross the finish line, grab their medal then head into the Finish Village to enjoy free fruit, Cocobella Hydrate sampling, The Sunday Mail’s free kids’ zone with rides, Transurban face painting and crazy hair station and more.”
Fundraising for Queensland charities is also a key driver of the Bridge to Brisbane, with close to $600,000 raised so far.
The Pyjama Foundation is among those, raising $4000 to date for children in foster care.
Bridge to Brisbane ambassador and Pyjama Angel Sami Rose said she couldn’t wait to be involved again.
“I’m running again because last year was genuinely so much fun – training for it, pushing myself to see how fast I could complete it, and also the great vibes from the community on the day,” she said.
“I’ve only been running for a little over a year and I’ve found so much love for it through watching myself improve, setting goals and keeping promises to myself, and Brisbane is also just such a beautiful place to run, with so many parks and running tracks.
“I chose the Pyjama Foundation as my charity again this year because they do such important work helping little ones in foster care receive the companionship and skill development they need to really thrive.”
