With less than four months to go until Weipa residents put their cardio capabilities to the test, the Weipa Running Festival committee is thanking long-time supporter North Queensland Bulk Ports as a returning sponsor. Photo: Supplied.
A long-time supporter of the Weipa Running Festival (WRF) is ensuring participants can continue to cross the finish line despite rising costs and logistical challenges.
The annual event has been announced as one of 13 organisations sharing the $100,000 North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) 2025-26 Community Fund.
WRF race director Denica Bowden said NQBP had been a major part of the beloved race day for many years, adding that sponsorships were an integral aspect of keeping the event accessible to all.
“We just wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of local businesses like NQBP,” she said.
“A lot of other events can charge a lot more, because they’ve got a bigger pool of participants to draw from.
“We’re in a small town, we’re not full of elite runners, and people either don’t want to or can’t afford to pay that full price, so the sponsorship from the businesses for those race events helps to make the costs more affordable for participants.”
While registrations are already looking promising almost four months out, Ms Bowden said getting the equipment needed to put on a successful marathon in a remote community was a challenge, making this year’s NQBP Community Grant even more vital.
“Timing is proving to be a bit of an issue this year, because the company that we used previously don’t operate anymore,” she said.
“They were happy to just send the gear to us, whereas pretty much no other timing company wants to do that.
“They want to send people with the gear up, so that’s flights and accommodation for two people for the weekend, so that’s quite a significant increase in cost.”
Aside from financial support, the race director said the NQBP team also pounded the pavement themselves, or volunteered their time to ensure the event ran smoothly with no missteps.
“They get their guys together to run virtually, which is really cool. The last couple of years, they’ve had someone come up and actually do the marathon in person,” Ms Bowden said.
“We give complimentary registrations to businesses who sponsor us, and they’re the only business who pretty much uses all of their complimentary registrations each year.
“One of the guys here, he comes down on the day and fills whatever role is needed, and he’s just super helpful.”
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said this year’s community fund saw the largest pool of applications to date at 70.
“This marks a 30 per cent increase from last year, and is the highest number of applications received since we began the program,” he said.
“This year’s recipients reflect the diversity of community needs and ideas across the region, from women’s health and youth programs to inclusive sport, arts and cultural initiatives.
“I’m proud to see so many projects focused on creating real outcomes for local people.”
The Weipa Running Festival will take place on 26 July. Registrations are available here.
