Marathon Event from Runaway Bay to Coolangatta/Tweed.

The alarm went off at 3:50am on Tuesday 25th April, so we could get to the Runaway Bay RSL Sub Branch dawn service early to get a seat in prime position. I was honoured to be asked by the RSL to say a few words at the service, where I spoke of my GrandPa, how the Marathon started and that over the past 3 years we have raised over $6k for the RSL. At the conclusion of the service, it was truly heartwarming to see so many orange singlettes appear and receive so many well wishes from friends & strangers alike. Our largest group to date gathered for a photo with Bruce Main, President, David Crisafulli MP & Cr Cameron Caldwell, both of whom are sponsors of the event.

At 6am, I led the team of nearly 20 runners and 4 bike riders from the cenotaph, as we made our way south on Bayview Street through Broadwater Parklands to the Southport Cenotaph, our first stop and 8km done. From here, the group headed over the Sundale Bridge, up to Main Beach, Narrowneck and into Surfers Paradise for a photo opportunity under the Surfers Paradise sign. It was wonderful to have a couple more runners join us as we ran down Cavill Ave to the Surfers RSL and the ‘Matey’ statue. Back up Cavill Ave to the war memorial on the beach, where we were able to see our support crew and grab a drink and bite to eat, now at 14km. Our next 10km saw the group run along the Oceanway Path, through Kurrawa Park, along Hedges, around Miami Hill and as we were coming into Burleigh the heavens opened and heavy rain soaked us. Our stop here at 24km was very brief as we didn’t want to be still for too long in the heavy rain, so the 9 runners including myself and 4 bike riders headed off over the Burleigh Hill and left onto the Oceanway Path at Tallebudgera. 

At 23rd Ave, Palm Beach we were back running along the Gold Coast Highway and at 15th Ave, turned into Jefferson Lane to follow this into the Pirate Park and along the boardwalk to the Thrower Drive bridge. People were arriving for the morning service as we ran to the Currumbin RSL. This year the temporary fences had the footpath blocked, so it was only a quick photo moment. The sun was now shining and we had dried out for the final 10km stretch. Our support crew met us at 33km before running and riding to Elephant Rock, where the morning broadcast was packing up from the televised Currumbin RSL dawn service. These final few k’s are always tough, however with the support of the team of runners and riders, we keep moving forward through Tugun & Kirra. We did get a sprinkle of rain along the Kirra Beach stretch but it didn’t last long, as we made our way through Coolangatta and turning right at Hill St, to cross the road to our final destination at Chris Cunningham Park where the Coolangatta/Tweed RSL morning service is on at Jack Evans Harbour.

What a relief, what a day, what a team!!!

We were greeted by our support crew of family members and friends and it was absolutely fitting to hear the last post before smiling and slowly walking to the car.

This day is a proud day for Australia, a day for us to remember our ANZACS who gave their all and pay tribute to armed forces past and present. This event is a remembrance run and I’m very grateful to share the experience with so many.

Thank you to the amazing marathon runners for your inspiration & spirit: Kellie, Nick, Kimberley (who celebrated her 40th birthday with us), Martin, Peter, Doug & Sharon and riders Mia, Steph, Baz & Mandy.

Thank you to everyone that attended the dawn service, well wishes and ran to Southport, Surfers & Burleigh and met us along the way. Seeing the orange singlet streaming along the streets sure stood out and we received a few comments along the way of encouragement.

Thank you to our support crews on the day as well as the constant support and guidance from my family. Anzac Day is part of our family and the organising of the event is part of many family conversations and hours of dedication (from them listening to me!)

Thank you to each and every person who registered for the Virtual Marathon, purchased a singlet and donated. This year 103 registrations and 60 singlets sold was our biggest yet. I loved seeing where people were walking and running during April, especially the different places the bright singlet got to travel to, including Thailand, Bali, on a cruise ship, Melbourne, and different locations around New South Wales & Queensland.

Thank you to the suppliers of the singlets Evo Sportswear, the ticketing system Ticketebo, and the lapel pin suppliers Ties N Cuffs. Each registered participant of the Virtual Marathon will receive this year commemorative Anzac Day Virtual Marathon lapel pin, which will be delivered to you by the end of May.

Lastly, which really is firstly for our event, THANK YOU to the 2023 sponsors. Your sponsorship has led the donation and your contribution of sharing the facebook posts, registration of staff members and also a special offer has been AMAZING!

 The funds raised from the Virtual Marathon and Marathon event are donated to the Runaway Bay RSL Welfare Fund and as the event grows it would be a dream to be able to assist more people/groups. The Grand Total will be revealed at the next Runaway Bay RSL meeting in May.

Looking forward to sharing this exciting good news very soon!

Cheers Sally

Organiser of the Anzac Day Virtual Marathon & Marathon Event