Complete guide to 2023 Bridge to Brisbane

It’s your last chance to enter this year’s Bridge to Brisbane fun run alongside a bumper crowd of some 30,000 people. Here is everything you need to know to get ready for the big event.

• 1000+ pics: B2B flashback gallery

One of the biggest fields in a decade will take part in The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane on October 15.

Organisers are expecting a sellout for Brisbane’s best charity fun run, with a bumper crowd of 30,000 having the rare chance to run and walk over the Gateway Bridge as it will be closed to vehicles.

Public transport for racegoers will be free to and from the event.

The popular 10km course starts at the Gateway Bridge, while the 4.5km option begins at Hercules Park, Hamilton.

Both routes then head along Kingsford Smith Drive and finish at the Brisbane Showground festival site.

ENTER THE BRIDGE TO BRISBANE NOW

With the “sold out” sign almost up, Sunday Mail editor Anna Caldwell said time was running out to be part of this iconic Brisbane event that was an “integral part of Australia’s fun run calendar”.

“Since the first year of Bridge to Brisbane in 1997, where 5000 people took part, the event has raised more than $14m for charities across Queensland,” she said.

“This year, we’ve already raised more than $646,000 and expect to see this increase significantly as donations continue to roll in over the coming weeks.”

Peter Marsden, the current No.1 individual fundraiser for this year’s event, said raising money for Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland was personal.

“My main motivation for raising money for QBI is my grandmother, who has been living with dementia for many years,” he said.

Mr Marsden’s commitment to the cause began last year when he raised $3700 for the institute.

This year, his fundraising efforts surged to $7850, with the promise of more contributions.

The Bridge to Brisbane’s current No.1 fundraiser Peter Marsden, centre, with QBI researchers Wendy Lee (left) and Alison Carlisle. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“I am passionate about this cause, not only as I have experienced first-hand seeing my grandmother live with dementia, and the impact on her and our family, but also knowing the money I raise will help bring researchers one step closer to a cure,” he said.

“QBI’s cutting-edge research has led to a clinical human safety trial using ultrasound technology, which is currently taking place, to potentially treat dementia.

“This is an exciting time to be supporting QBI.”

Ultimate Bridge to Brisbane flashback gallery

Last year, the 300-strong Team Transurban raised more than $350,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities SEQ and has returned to become the top fundraising team for 2023.

“Transurban is proud to once again be supporting the Bridge to Brisbane fun run event, which showcases the iconic Gateway Bridge and our beautiful city,” Transurban Queensland group executive Sue Johnson said.

“Bridge to Brisbane is the one day of the year participants get the chance to race over the Gateway Bridge while it’s closed to traffic and take in the spectacular views of the city and the bay.

“We’re calling for all Brisbane runners and walkers to sign up to #BeattheBridge and raise money for charity.”

Alyse Grace Ortt and Jacinta Robinson from Fearlss Walk/Run Club get set for the 2023 Bridge to Brisbane. Picture: Josh Woning

Originally published as Complete guide to 2023 Bridge to Brisbane