TNQ Writer
Whether you have the finish line in sight or just prefer to cheer on from the sidelines, here’s the running events to add to your annual calendar.
Yungaburra Triathlon
Swim across Lake Tinaroo in the Yungaburra Triathlon
If you’d like to add a freshwater swim to your triathlon repertoire, head inland to the quaint village of Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands. The Yungaburra Triathlon includes a 40km bike ride past the stunning Curtain Fig Tree, a race past the Afghanistan Avenue of Honour and a 1.5km swim in Lake Tinaroo. If you’re not the sporty type, you can join around 1000 spectators to cheer on the athletes and with an abundance of activities to do on the Atherton Tablelands, you might as well make a whole weekend of it.
Where: Yungaburra
When: 2023 dates to be announced
Great Wheelbarrow Race
Thought you’d heard of every running event physically possible? Enter the Great Wheelbarrow Race, where you literally push a wheelbarrow on an epic 140km journey spanning three days. “Barrow” some friends and to make a team or go it alone and race through Chillagoe, Dimbulah, Almaden and Mareeba.
Where: Chillagoe – Mareeba
When: 12 – 14 May 2023
Ironman
As much as the Marvel theme tune may enter your head with the word “Ironman”, the Ironman Cairns Asia-Pacific welcomes different kinds of heroes – those of the triathlon sort. This iconic event has earned the title of the World’s Best IRONMAN and attracts athletes from all around the world to the tropics.
If you’re more of a Pepper Potts than an Iron Man, pick a spot on the Cairns Esplanade to cheer on the triathletes.
Where: Cairns
When: 18 June 2023
3 Marathons in 3 Days
Marathon one finishes at Crystal Cascades
They say that good things come in threes, so why not challenge yourself to three marathons over three days. The marathons are as scenic as they are challenging and include stunning locations such as Wright’s Lookout, Crystal Cascades and Glacier Rock.
Where: Cairns
When: 7 – 9 July 2023
7 Cairns Marathon
7 Cairns Marathon offers an event for every kind of runner; from a 42.195km marathon to a 5km walk. Best of all, some events are suitable for children, meaning that the whole family can get involved. Runners and spectators alike can race to Fogarty Park for post-race entertainment.
Where: Cairns
When: 15 – 16 July 2023
Great Pyramid Race
Take it to the top on the Great Pyramid Race
Take your annual running calendar to new heights with the Great Pyramid Race; a 12km uphill scramble to the top of Walshs Pyramid. If the idea of clambering to 922 kilometres above sea level seems too much of an uphill battle, opt for the 6km aptly named “Race to the Base”.
Where: Walshs Pyramid, Gordonvale
When: 2023 dates to be confirmed
Red Bull Defiance
Defy the odds at Red Bull Defiance
Raft, race, kayak and bike through the stunning Cassowary Coast on the action-packed Red Bull Defiance. Registrations may be full for the 2022 event, but you can still head track side to grab a bit of the action. Why not check out these mountain biking trails while you’re there?
Where: Cassowary Coast
When: 2023 dates TBC
Cairns Port Douglas Ultra Trail
Race around the region at the Cairns Port Douglas Ultra Trail, which traverses through lush rainforest, palm-fringed beaches and ancient fig trees.
Where: Cairns – Port Douglas
When: 2023 dates TBC
Ona Mission Multisport Adventure
Head to Mission Beach for this multisport event
Point your gears towards paradise for Ona Mission Multisport Adventure, a mountain bike, paddle and run adventure that traverses Mission Beach, Dunk Island and the stunning Great Barrier Reef.
Where: Mission Beach
When: September 10 2023
Run4Reef
Run to raise money for the Great Barrier Reef on Run4Reef
This world-first synchronised race event will take place across 22 cities in Australia and New Zealand and all for a great cause – the Great Barrier Reef! Participants can choose from 1km, 5km and 10km runs, with a portion of funds raised through registration going towards reef restoration projects.
Where: Cairns
When: 16 October 2022
