Port Douglas, Cairns and Atherton unite

Douglas, Cairns and Atherton unite to Run for the Reef

Monday October 20 2014 3:30pm

The Run For the Reef challenge at Port Douglas.

Three charity running events across Far North Queensland on Sunday raised funds for Great Barrier Reef protection and local community projects.

Organised by the Bendigo Bank and the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival team, the three simultaneous Run For The Reef events in Port Douglas, Cairns and Atherton that began at 8am on Sunday all raised funds for both James Cook University's Reef Research Fund and a local project in each of their communities.

The three events raised a total of $4890, with half going to the Reef Research Fund and half going to local projects. This year

Although the events were 'just aimed at having a bit of fun and raising awareness', it still produced some winners who were presented prizes from sponsors.

In Port Douglas, Steve Salleras took out the male winner with Natalie Mullins taking out the women's.

In Atherton, Glen Hussey finished first for the males with Tricia Cannon the first female over the line.

In Cairns Craig de Courcey was first male and first female was Clare Zappala.

The Run for the Reef Fund initiative is the collaboration of the Port Douglas-based Great Barrier Reef Marathon festival, James Cook University and the event's Corporate Legacy Partner, The Bendigo Bank.

The group of organisations are in pursuit of tangible Reef Research and Development projects that will capture the minds of Australians to get involved in helping save the Great Barrier Reef from predictions that the universal natural wonder could slide into being endangered in the next few years.

The Reef Research Fund, to be administered by James Cook University, will be dedicated to research into methods for rebuilding and maintaining Reef health in the face of various and mounting pressures.

In addition to funds from each event going to the Reef Research fund, Bendigo Bank diverted half of the money raised from each event into a local community project of the host town.

Port Douglas State School received funding for Learn to Swim classes, while Atherton Men's Shed and various Cairns school projects received financial support from their respective events.

The community came out in force in the Douglas with over 50 registering for the 5km Four Mile Beach challenge and many others volunteering and supporting.

A similar competitor contribution was achieved in Atherton with Cairns where they reached over 100 registrations - including Member for Barron River Michael Trout - between the two.

Bendigo Bank Regional Manager Far North Queensland Tony Jensen said he was blown away by the level of community support in the event’s first year.

“It’s fantastic too see runners of all ages come out to support such worthwhile causes,” Mr Jensen said.

“We hope to build on this year’s success to make the Community Challenge even bigger and better next year.”

Mr Jensen said the Community Challenge was the perfect lead up to the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival in Port Douglas on 9 November, of which the Bank is also a major supporter.

“The Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival is another great way we can highlight the importance of the reef and try to raise more money to protect it,” he said.

Sam Cullen, from the Great Barrier Reef Marathon and Run for the Reef Research Fund, said the three Run for the Reef Running Festivals were a pilot program this year with the intention for them to operate across the country around key Bendigo Bank Branches from next year, allowing every Australian to contribute to maintaining the international asset that is the Great Barrier Reef.

"In our first year we are aiming at raising over $40,000 for the JCU Reef Research Fund via the Run for the Reef Marathon and Community Challenge initiatives"

Mr Cullen said the events were already a success leading into the day's events with the amount of coverage they received in the media.

"Raising awareness is just as important and raising money," he said.

"Keeping Reef Legacy activities in the public eye is a very important component in ensuring the Reef is allocated the appropriate amount of funding by State and Federal governments each year.

"Recent times have seen their contributions significantly increase, which is a fantastic thing - they are quick to react to public concerns.

Runners were introduced to the increasingly popular crowd funding concept, Everyday Hero, that allows participants to raise funds via their social media contacts, encouraging them to support their effort and belief in the cause.

Cairns Community Enterprise assisted in helping collect and distribute the funds to the nominated community projects.

About $1,500 was raised through Everyday Hero ahead of the Run for the Reef challenges.