RUNNING along dusty outback roads probably isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but it sure is for Phil Smith.
Well, not fun perhaps, but a challenge he has set himself to conquer as a solo runner in the Great Wheelbarrow Race this weekend.
Mr Smith, 43, has decided to donate the funds he raises to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s “Show us ya guts” endoscopy campaign.
“I don’t really have a personal reason to support endoscopy but I like supporting the Hospital Foundation,” Mr Smith said.
A previous Mt Franklin Cardiac Challenge rider and volunteer, Mr Smith is one of only four solo participants who will run with his wheelbarrow 40km on day one, 65km on day two and 35km on day three.
To support Mr Smith’s fundraising efforts visit: http://bit.ly/PhilWheelbarrow
Meanwhile a group of 10 nurses and police also are running in the Wheelbarrow Race, fundraising for the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital through the Foundation.
Spokeswoman Zoe Goodall said “The Rack Pack” knew each other through sporting events and had an average age of 40.
They will each run 20 seconds at a time with their wheelbarrow before handing over to their next runner and hopping on a bus ready for their next stint.
“Four of us have done it before so we know what we’re in for, but the rest don’t. We’re excited about raising money for Special Care because three of our team work there and we like the idea of fundraising for something local.
“The Wheelbarrow Race is really a lot of fun, the communities are really supportive out there and you get to see the area through a different perspective. We know it will be hard but a lot of fun too,” Ms Goodall said.
The Rack Pack is comprised of Ms Goodall, Laura Garner, Angel Hayes, Elisha Rumble, Jenny Mitchell, Liz Stallard, Tammy Fysh, Miranda Farrell, Kirsten Standage and Stephanie Whiteman.
To donate to their fundraising visit http://bit.ly/WheelbarrowSCN
