The Peninsula Developmental Road will again become a sea of colour for a cause on 4-5 October when participants walk shoulder-to-shoulder for this year’s Conquer the Corrugations. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
It’s hot, dusty and one of Cape York’s must-do annual events.
The date has been set for the 2025 Conquer the Corrugations, with more mental health and wellbeing support primed to be on offer than ever before when hundreds of participants take to the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) on 4-5 October.
Now in its 11th year, founder and organiser Emma Jackson said significant behind-the-scenes work had gone into ensuring participants have as much support as possible on the ground when it came time to hit the PDR.
“We have been working carefully behind the scenes with RFDS’s Jos Middleton and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s (TCHHS) Sarah Laxton to embed an even stronger mental health and emotional wellbeing component,” she told Cape York Weekly.
“We notice each year, participants come for the challenge of walking 42 kilometres over the two days, but also to share their stories, engage with each other and learn tools that could help them when facing life’s challenges.
“The support from RFDS and TCHHS is outstanding, and together, we are evolving this walk into so much more.”
Starting at the Coen airport turnoff on the Saturday and Archer River Roadhouse on the Sunday, the PDR will again become a sea of neon, tutus and balloons as participants start conversations aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health, and commemorating loved ones lost to personal battles.
With hundreds of regulars set to return in 2025, Ms Jackson said the event welcomed new participants looking to stretch themselves as they trekked back to Conquer HQ at 28 Mile Lagoon each day.
“Being that first weekend in October means that it is a challenge, as it is hot, potentially smoky if bushfires are around, and dusty on the corrugations,” she said.
“We learn and grow when we stretch ourselves, and that’s exactly what this weekend is intended to do.
“It reminds walkers or those on a horse that life is full of corrugations, and as long as we put one foot in front of the other and ask for help if we need it, it’s possible to battle forwards.”
Businesses wishing to throw some prize or manpower muscle behind the event can contact Ms Jackson by emailing [email protected].
To register to lace up your shoes – or saddle up your horse – in October, head to the event information page.
Eye-catching outfits are part of the Conquer the Corrugations funs, as demonstrated by Jenni Pinchen, Sue Volp and Mick Volp during last year’s walk. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
