The 2024 Weipa Running Festival marathon will get under way at 5am on Sunday. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
It will be an early start on Sunday morning for competitors hoping to claim marathon glory at the 2024 Weipa Running Festival (WRF).
More than 200 runners will be pounding the pavement in Weipa for the annual event, with another 85 competitors set to lace up their shoes virtually.
The marathon starter’s pistol is set to fire at 5am, with a WRF spokesperson saying the committee was celebrating an event first in 2024.
“This year is the first year we have a registered runner in every state and territory of Australia, as well a participant from Chicago,” they said.
“Spectators are welcome at Andoom Oval and all over town to cheer on fellow runners, friends and family.”
After the marathoners hit the course, competitors in the 22-kilometre half marathon will start their race at 6am, with the 10km and 5km races getting under way at 6:30am and 7:30am respectively.
The event starter will send fun runners on their way at 8:30am.
The spokesperson thanked the Weipa community for its ongoing support, adding supporters could track the progress of friends and family in real time during their race.
“Weipa Running Festival has been fortunate to be well supported by our event partners, sponsors, volunteers and participants for the past seven years,” they said,
“Watching participants achieve their goals each year is the driving force for the volunteer committee to continue to bring the event to fruition each year.
“All participants will be able to be live tracked while on-course via the onetime timing app, and you will be able to watch your friends finish down the finish chute via a YouTube link, which will be on our Facebook page.”
After runners recover, presentations will be held at 10am before the much-anticipated after party fires up from 3pm.
A seasoned festival competitor, who asked not to be named, provided a bit of advice on what first-time runners could expect on race day.
“There will be a few early morning nerves, overwhelming support on course from our amazing volunteers, a bit of hard work on their behalf, and the most amazing finish line experience, hopefully filled with a sense of great pride and achievement,” they said.
All race day information is available on the event website.
2024 WEIPA RUNNING FESTIVAL SCHEDULE (Sunday, 22 July 2024)
Marathon race start: 5am
Half marathon race start: 6am
10km race start: 6.30am
5km race start: 7:30am
Fun run start: 8:30am
Presentation ceremony: 10am (approximate)
After party: 3pm
Who will be standing proud on the podium after competitors cross the finish line in this year’s edition of the Weipa Running Festival on 22 July? Photo: Cape York Weekly.
