The annual Great Strides Walkathon for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is nearly upon us, with this year’s walk stating at IGA and finishing at Rex Smeal Park on Wednesday, September 21, from 1.30pm.

This year’s walk teams up with the arrival of the 2011 Great Escape Car Rally in an event that is sure to bring a deluge of colour, fun and excitement to Macrossan Street.

The Great Escape Car Rally is winding up in Port Douglas for the first time in its 10 year history, after making its way from New South Wales’ country music capital, Tamworth, and detouring to Emerald, Charters Towers and the Undara Lava Tubes, enroute to Port Douglas.

Both the Great Strides Walkathon and the Great Escape car rally aim to raise funds Cystic Fibrosis Australia to improve treatment for the approximate 3000 children and young adults who suffer Cystic Fibrosis nationally.

Organiser of the Great Strides walk, Kylie Samson, said the combination of the two events was a first for Port Douglas in raising funds for CF and hoped for a big turn-out during the September school holiday event.

“There will be about 60 cars, or 180 to 200 people in the car rally, most of who are staying in Port Douglas after the event to explore the region,” Kylie said.

“And we’re hoping for anywhere from 200 to 400 walkers in the popular walkathon.

“Then the two groups join together for a colourful and energetic parade down Macrossan Street, winding up with one big party at Market Park, complete with jumping castles, a sausage sizzle and raffles.

“Port Douglas would never have seen anything like this.”

In previous years, the Great Strides walk has been set on Four Mile Beach, but this year, the walk winds down pathways on Port Douglas Road and Davidson Street, before entering Macrossan Street.

And with The Newsport team ready to pull on the runners and enter as a corporate team, Kylie encouraged other local businesses to enter corporate teams to get into the vibe during working hours while raising funds for charity.

“It’s all for a fantastic cause.”

Nominations are now open for the Great Strides Walkathon - Click here for the entry form.

For more information on The Great Escape Car Rally, visit www.thegreatescape.org.au.