There was no way sweltering temperature was going to deter almost 300 walkers when they took to the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) to mark the 10th running of Conquer the Corrugations on 28-29 September.
With the mercury soaring to about 36 degrees on day one, conditions challenged Conquerers but they were all smiles as they trekked along the PDR’s sea of red dust, waving to passing motorists, singing along to portable speakers, and starting conversations aimed at reducing the stigma around opening up and commemorating loved ones lost to mental health battles.
When the procession of colour and costumes returned to Conquer HQ at 28 Mile Lagoon on Sunday afternoon, the red dirt was swapped for glamour as the Diamonds in the Dust gala celebrated the successful completion of a decade of the event.
The Crystals rock matching rainbow tutus. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Cowabunga!: Ninja Turtle girls prepare to take on 42km red dust walk. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Dave Lomas, Brad Clarke and Patrick Atkinson catch up at the water cooler station. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Plenty of Conquerers decided to take on the challenge on horseback. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Participants are briefed and hear stories about the foundation and growth of Conquer the Corrugations before getting under way from the former Cape York Biosecurity Centre on Saturday morning. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Jenni Pinchen, Sue Volp and Mick Volp show off the camaraderie Conquer the Corrugations is known for. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Wally Hanckel, Josh Fraser, Ruby Hanckel and Jasmine Scikluna figured four legs were better than two for the 2024 instalment of Conquer the Corrugations. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Polly and Jade Polmear stride it out on day one of the event. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Hudson Edema and Drew McDonald fuel up for the next leg of the walk. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Ian Uhr and Grace Mason. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Temperatures in the mid-30s and humidity tested Conquerers during the two-day event. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Jonasi Robinson, Lou Akenson and Heath Love represent Mapoon Cafe. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
The TCHHS mental health team help conquerers identify them with purple balloons. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Kathy Bouchardt and Hazel Olzard stay hydrated after a hot walk under the sun. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Alastair Bauer and Conor Meredith represent event sponsor Diatreme Resources. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Nate Jackson, Georgia McDougall, Harvey Perrisini, Dakota Jackson and Liam McDougall learn about mental health from a young age. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
The Wone family wears a shirt in honour of a family member lost to mental health. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Angela Harris and Kim Dunstan rock matching inspirational tees. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Ava, Ivy and Aaron (Onion) Jensen ride in style. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
The Steels and Freibergs catch up at the startline. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
The Hamcox sunflower clan bring sunny smile to Conquer the Corrugations. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
Passing drivers gave participants plenty of support as they made their way along the PDR. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Corey Osmond and Donna Jonsson prepare to tackle Conquer the Corrugations while Cohen and Hayes Osmond put their feet up and enjoy the ride. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
And they’re off – the 10th anniversary of Conquer the Corrugations begins. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Mary and Duane Singleton. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Participants spread out to make the PDR a sea of costumes and colour. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Marli Delavere, Greg Staader, Gai Delavere and Kane Delavere. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Aggie McIvor, Chrissy Port and Grace Payne. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Aynsleigh and Lisa Turner. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Leesa, Christian, Levon and Harrison Klein prepare to hit the PDR. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Jos Middleton was all smiles flying the flag for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Suzie and David Tuckwood. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Imogen Lewis and Nikita Perrett. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Mother-and-daughter duo Marilyn Clark and Sandra Golding, aka the Cluckers. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
