READY, GET SET, NEW RACE!

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is giving everyone another reason to cheer at this year’s Port to Park Fun Run with the announcement of a new 5km race.

The widely popular event, now the largest in Central Queensland, will offer race goers the option to register in the much loved 3km Yallarm Family Run, the 10km Koongo Dash as well as the exciting new 5km Koommonka Sprint.

GPC CEO Craig Haymes said the new race will give even more people the opportunity to celebrate the parklands, support healthy programs in our local schools and raise awareness for a worthy cause.

“Each year the Port to Park Fun run sees thousands of people turn out to support community groups and our kids’ schools – it’s fantastic to see and is something GPC is proud of,” Mr Haymes said.

GPC’s annual not-for-profit community fun run has provided more than half a millions dollars to the Gladstone community since its launch in 2010.

Mr Haymes said this year, GPC will proudly support local communities and schools with up to $110,000 to celebrate GPC’s 110th birthday.

“These funds enable beneficiaries to invest in initiatives that support our community and provide schools with essential sport and recreation equipment and materials while encouraging everyone to embrace healthy lifestyles.

“In 2023 GPC invested over $18,000 into local schools and donated $50,000 to community beneficiaries, Roseberry House and Youth Insearch Foundation – the largest amount in Port to Park history,” he said.

“This year’s donation is even bigger and is open for applications now.”

More than a dozen sponsors have jumped on board with this year’s event welcoming two new platinum race sponsors Squadron Energy and Gladstone Industry Leadership Group (GILG).

GPC proudly recognises the language of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Bailai, Gurang and Gooreng Gooreng Nations for each race name – with Koongo meaning place of water, Yallarm meaning place of shells and Koommonka meaning possum.

Each race event caters for all abilities and whether you run, walk or wheel, you’re sure to enjoy all there is to offer across three areas of GPC’s premier waterfront parklands – East Shores, Gladstone Marina Parklands and Spinnaker Park.

Race day is Sunday August 18 with early bird registrations to open in June.

Community beneficiary applications are now open and will close 4pm Friday May 24, 2024. Visit Gladstone Ports Corporation’s website for eligibility criteria and how to apply