Weipa will run back to the 80s on 16 August to support Michael Collins and David Tuckwood before they embark on their 820-kilometre fundraising run to Cairns. Photo: Facebook (Weipa parkrun).
Weipa will be awash with denim, neon and outrageous hair on 16 August when the township heads back to the 80s to help Michael Collins and David Tuckwood with their marathon fundraising effort for two fantastic causes.
The pair are gearing up to run 820 kilometres between Weipa and Cairns over 17 days from 22 August to raise money for the Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s (RFDS) Far North Queensland service.
With the Weipa Running Festival now behind them, the men are taking mixed approaches to preparing for the mammoth undertaking, which will have them running a marathon each day as they head south to Cairns.
“People think we are crazy but are very supportive,” Mr Tuckwood said.
“This week has been a rest week, but I will start doing 10km in the morning and 10km at night for a week to condition the body; then, I will probably just do a mixture of long and short runs.”
Mr Collins said he was embracing a combination of strength training, swimming and yoga, along with light running.
“All of that will help keep my body conditioned and, more importantly, my mind focused,” he explained.
“The big key is eating well, and lots, to help with gaining weight before the run.”
The run is the biggest attempted by either man, and they said while there were understandably nerves, they were excited about seeing Cape York from a different perspective.
“I am looking forward to being out in the open air, experiencing the contours of the land during the 17 consecutive sunrises and the 17 consecutive sunsets,” Mr Collins said.
“This by far is the biggest running challenge I have ever attempted, and the only known factor to help keep me going is that the sun will rise and fall each day without fail.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing some of the things you don’t normally stop to look at when you drive it,” Mr Tuckwood said.
“I’m definitely not looking forward to the ranges.”
The fundraising party will rock the Weipa Bowls Club from 4pm on 16 August, and feature a best dressed competition, games, raffles, auctions, face painting and, of course, 80s music.
For more information about the Run Back to the 80s party, check out the Cruisin’ 2 Cairns 4 CAPS Facebook page.
To donate to CAPS for the fundraiser, go to the Cruisin’ 2 Cairns 4 CAPS webpage, or the RFDS webpage to support the continuation of RFDS services across Cape York.
The Weipa Bowls Club will be the only place to be on 16 August. Photo: Supplied.
