Thousands of feet will be hitting the road when the hugely popular McDonalds Townsville Running Festival is held from 2-7 August with the support of Townsville City Council.
Councillors voted at the June Ordinary Council meeting to provide $50,000 to the Running Festival in the form of a financial grant of $48,423, with the remainder as a fee waiver.
“Council is committed to working towards Townsville being a sustainable destination that embraces and participates in the arts, sports, events and recreational activities.
“Council wants to encourage events like the Running Festival that add to Townsville’s reputation as a lifestyle destination and events capital of the north,” Cr Greaney said.
With a history going back more than 50 years, the Running Festival is well established on the event calendar as a drawcard for runners from Townsville and beyond.
Community and Cultural Development chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the Townsville Road Runners Club has proven itself as having the expertise to hold the event that attracts more than 10,000 participants, supporters and volunteers.
“The wonderful aspect of the Running Festival is that it embraces everyone from beginners to elite athletes and works with schools and local running clubs to develop skills.
“Townsville is the perfect location for a Running Festival in the dry season, and Townsville Road Runners has shown that it’s up to the task of organising this world-class event year after year.
“The runners will be able to enjoy stunning views of tropical Queensland, with the course taking in our charming parkland at historic Jezzine Barracks, spectacular ocean views along the scenic Strand and the timeless beauty of Pallarenda.”
Council is also welcoming four runners from our sister cities Suwon (South Korea) and Iwaki (Japan) to compete in the half marathon, after runners from Townsville competed in an event in Iwaki earlier this year.
Spectators can take in all the action along the Strand and Pallarenda as well as watching all the excitement of races starting and finishing at Jezzine Barracks.
Visitors will also have plenty of entertainment options across the weekend.
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music will be on, there are Strand Night Markets on (4 August), Human Nature playing at Townsville Entertainment Centre (4 August) and the Cowboys take on the Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium (5 August).
To register interest in competing or volunteering at the McDonalds Running Festival being held from 2-7 August, visit the event website.
