Every August since 1997, Brisbane hosts a massive long-distance fun run called Bridge to Brisbane to raise funds for charity. From fewer than 5,000 participants in its first year, the crowd has increased up to ten times in recent years as the event has become an annual tradition in Queensland.
On its 23rd year, Bridge to Brisbane will once again take place on Sunday, the 25th of Aug 2019, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Racers may join in the 5km or 10km run to set a new record, beat their own best time in previous races, or simply join to give their heart muscles a good workout.
Race Course Details
| WHAT | WHO | WHERE |
| 5km 9:30 a.m. | VIP Charity Runners Orange Runners Aqua Joggers Walkers | Beginning at Captain Burke Park, 5km runners will pound over the iconic Story Bridge, looping back through Kangaroo Point and then descending down to South Bank to cross the finish line in your best time ever. |
| WHAT | WHO | WHERE |
| 10km 6:00 a.m. | Elite Sporting Wheelies Blue Elite Runners Red Elite Runners VIP Charity Runners Green Runners Yellow Joggers Walkers | The 10km course will kick off near the top of Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill. The 10km route will take you over three iconic Brisbane bridges and have you finishing at South Bank. |
Runners have to sign up and pay for the corresponding fees to register and run as an individual or a team. You should receive your runner’s kit in the mail if you’ve signed up weeks ahead but late registrants may also receive their kit on race day.
Participants who finish well may win cash prizes for 3rd Place ($500), 2nd Place ($1,000) and 1st Place ($2,000) per category.
Guides, Food, Competitions and Entertainment
At least 21 Pace Setters will be joining Bridge to Brisbane to help racers reach their goals or guide them through the course. Be on the lookout for these runners with colour-coded balloons.
After the race, some participants can head to the South Bank Parklands for the pop-up picnic where a catered satisfying meal will be served. This is a pre-booked event as space is limited.
Runners also have a chance to win a luxury trip for two to Hawaii with their race entries. Make sure to keep your registration ticket. Aside from a chance to go to Hawaii, you may also score discounts at participating establishments as your reward for joining the run!
For more fun, Bridge to Brisbane will also award the best-dressed individual or team during race day. So, consider racing in your best costume to win $300 or $500.
Elsewhere, performers will be entertaining the runners, their supporters and the crowd at these venues all around the city:
| WHERE | PERFORMER |
| Cultural Centre Tunnel | Underground Opera |
| Main Stage, Finish Village | Graham Moes (guitar slinger) Lesi Little Drummers (kid drummers) Roving Bush Band (traditional Australian bush tunes) Jason McGregor and The Smyths (cover band) |
| South Brisbane War Memorial Park | City of Brisbane Pipe Band |
| Ivory Street Tunnel | DJ Waria (old school DJ) |
| Captain Burke Park, Story Bridge | Ribbon and Bubble Stilt Walkers Jackie Marshall (jazz singer) The Party Girl (dancers) Dance Masala |
| Coronation Drive | Riley Watson (acoustic singer) |
Fundraising Efforts
Those who have no plans to register and run may still participate in the fundrasing efforts by giving a one-off donation or starting a fundraising campaign in your community. You may donate the money you raise to a charity of your choice or The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.
To register and start your own campaign, visit Bridge to Brisbane’s fundraising page. You could win a pair of Glycerin running shoes from Brooks just by initiating a campaign.
Meanwhile, as this is a city-wide event, several streets across CBD will be closed for the event. Non-participants may check the map below for the “Road Closed” symbol so that you can plan your day better.
If you’ve missed this event this year, there’s always next year. If you’re planning to sign up, it’s highly recommended that you train weeks ahead of the fun run. For more information about training for Bridge to Brisbane, check out this page.
