Port to Park Returns
May 11, 2022
DUST off your running shoes and get ready to run, skip or walk on Sunday 21 August to show your support for local schools and raise awareness for a worthy cause at Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) Port to Park Fun Run.
The popular event is expected to attract thousands of eager participants this year after 3,000 locals entered last year.
There will be two race events for participants to choose from including the 9 kilometre Koongo Dash and the 4 kilometre Yallarm Family Run. Both race names recognise the language of the Traditional Owners of the land – the Bailai and Gooreng Gooreng nations.
More than a dozen sponsors have jumped on board including platinum sponsor Santos GLNG who is flying the flag for Port to Park for the second year in a row after a decade of support through the Botanic to Bridge fun run.
Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre and Gladstone Regional Council are backing the fun run with a gold sponsorship, while the silver supporters include ConocoPhillips, Smit Lamnalco, Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal, Workforce Road Services, Downer and the Gladstone Area Water Board.
Local media are also championing the event, including Seven News, Gladstone Today, Southern Cross Austereo’s Hit FM and Gladstone News.
Chief Executive Officer Craig Haymes said the fun run is an opportunity to celebrate the parklands, support healthy programs in local schools and raise awareness for a worthy cause.
“Port to Park also supports mental and physical health of our community by encouraging families to spend time outdoors,” Mr Haymes said.
“There were 3,000 registrations last year which is an amazing turn out during the time when the pandemic was impacting events across the State, so we’re anticipating this year to be even bigger with restrictions lifted and travel opening up,” he said.
“It’s thanks to our sponsors and event partners who help bring this event to life, from road access to water stations and everything in between.
“We can’t wait to see everyone on race day, especially with it being my family’s first Port to Park!”
Early bird registrations open in mid-June.