IT was running and walking in the rain, but all for a good cause.
Organisers of the inaugural Cairns Post Bright Night Fun Run have been pleasantly surprised to learn it raised more than $14,000 for the Children’s Ward at Cairns Hospital via the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
The event, part of the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival in June, attracted more than 1600 participants – including 600 who registered on the night in what could best be described as miserable weather.
The 5km course, held along the Cairns Esplanade, was a fun way for families to get involved in the Festival. Prizes were awarded to the best dressed group and tutus, tights and technicolour took over as runners made their way through a series of psychedelic displays along the Esplanade. DJs kept the crowds dancing, while fire dancers and colourful light displays brought the 5km stretch to life.
Ironman Asia-Pacific event director Chris Price said they were thrilled that the event was able to contribute so much to children’s health care in the region, and was confident it would grow in the future.
“For an inaugural event, we think that’s a pretty good outcome,” Mr Price said.
The funds are in addition to a donation the Foundation received from USM events for providing volunteers to assist at a number of Ironman events throughout the frantic weekend in June.
The Cairns Post general manager Nick Trompf said The Cairns Post Bright Night Fun Run was a huge hit in its inaugural year. “More than 1600 people of all ages, shapes and sizes joined together despite heavy rain to pound the pavement along our beautiful esplanade to help raise funds for the Foundation,” Mr Trompf said.
After the overwhelmingly positive feedback in the first night event this year, next year's promises to set a new record in participation.
Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said event was a great success in terms of numbers of participants and funds raised. “What we love is that this was a health community event that raised funds for health services in our local community,” Ms Duncombe said. “We are hoping to channel the funds, together with some from another fundraising source, towards fish tanks in the children’s ward,” she said.
