Entries open as Bridge to Brisbane fun run back on course in 2022

Brisbane’s renowned race is back on course giving hope to a happier future for the river city as it leaves a pandemic peak and flooding disaster in the dust.

Brisbane’s favourite fun run is back on course, giving hope to a happier future for the River City as it leaves a pandemic peak and flooding disaster in the dust.

Early-bird entries open on Sunday for The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane on August 28, when up to 30,000 runners, walkers and rollers will lace up their shoes for charity.

Event manager Ian Harwood was optimistic this year’s event could raise a record amount for charity after participants rallied together to raise $1.2m in 2021.

After postponed and cancelled events caused by Covid-19, Brisbane’s biggest fun run has returned to August this year in what Mr Harwood said was a sign of a return to normalcy.

“It’s a reason to recognise that it’s been a pretty ordinary few years and pledge to get back to celebrating this great lifestyle and great community we have in Brisbane, to get out there and all run together,” Mr Harwood said.

Kicking off at the base of the Gateway Bridge, Murarrie, the 10km route will take participants across the river and along Kingsford Smith Drive before hitting the finish village at Brisbane Showgrounds, where they will be met with a hive of celebration and entertainment.

Students Fletcher Doyle, 15, and Mackenzie Newberry, 14, gear up for this year’s Bridge to Brisbane. Picture: Lachie Millard

The event is hoped to have more on-course entertainment than ever throughout its 10km and 4.5km courses which follow Kingsford Smith Drive and on to the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Transurban Queensland group executive Sue Johnson said it was exciting to once again be giving participants the chance to take in the magnificent city and bayside views from the top of the Gateway Bridge.

The 200-strong Team Transurban last year raised a record-breaking $400,000 for its charity partner Ronald McDonald House Charities SEQ, funding their in-hospital emergency accommodation at the Queensland Children’s Hospital for another year.

“This year we’re celebrating 10 years of support for our partners at Ronald McDonald House Charities SEQ, so our team is gearing up to raise even more money for this important charity who provide a home away from home for families with a seriously ill child undergoing hospital treatment,” Ms Johnson said.

“We can’t wait to see this year’s participants be at the bridge at one of Queensland’s favourite community events.”

The race will make for a great family day out and participants don’t need a competitive race time to get involved.

Corinda State High School executive principal Helen Jamieson said family support was key to the school’s fundraising success.

“We want Corinda families to experience the fun atmosphere of an iconic Brisbane event that promotes health and wellbeing and brings the community together against the backdrop of our beautiful city,” she said.

To encourage the whole family to take part this year, the entry fee of participants aged under 15 years includes a $5 donation to their nominated school charity.

The Sunday Mail editor Kelvin Healey said the event had become a staple on the calendars of the community for 26 years.

The spirit and atmosphere on race day was unmatched, he said.