The Weipa Running Festival has a large number of enthusiastic committee members (some are absent from the photo) and they are looking forward to Sunday.
KEEN and not-so-keen runners will lace up their trainers on Sunday morning and take part in the annual Weipa Running Festival.
While many have already taken the time to lodge a run virtually, most will hit the pavement on the weekend in what has become a key social event for the community.
It’s the culmination of a busy period on the Weipa calendar, with many sporting events held in the weeks and days leading into the festival finale.
“Everyone is doing it for their own reason and some will want to set a personal best time, while others will just want to create a new challenge for themselves,” said dedicated committee member Rose Robins.
“For a lot taking part, it’s a social thing, while others are using it as training for other events.
“The committee just wants to see people participate and enjoying themselves.”
There will be five different runs held on Sunday, with a 5km, 10km, half-marathon, full marathon and a fun run being staged.
Those taking part in the full 42.2km marathon will have an early start, with the run to begin in the dark at 4.30am.
All runs will finish at Andoom Oval, with the community asked to come down to cheer on the finishers and enjoy the festivities.
There will be a four-hour road closure on Sunday morning to accommodate the event. A detour will be in place.
Runners will start crossing the finish line around 8am and those who clock the fastest times will be put on the podium from 10.30am.
“The coffee van will be down at the oval from 7am and the Weipa Men’s Shed will be cooking a barbecue,” said Rose.
“There are also some great places to watch the runners on their route and all of the maps are on the Weipa Running Festival website, so you can pick out a vantage point if you want to cheer them on.
“We just ask that those driving, especially around the lakes, take extra precaution as we will have some runners in that area.
“There is also a minor road closure on McLeod Drive to be aware of.”
After the runners and volunteers have had the chance to cool down and enjoy a well-earned shower, they’ll head to the Albatross Bay Resort for the official after party.
“That kicks off at 3pm and we’ll have raffles and games to make it a real family afternoon,” Rose said.
For more details, visit weiparunningfestival.org.au
The marathon will start at 4.30am and runners cover 42.2km that takes them to almost every corner of Weipa, including the lakes and Mission River bridge.
The 10km starts at 6.30am and will be on both paved and gravel surfaces.
The 5km run starts at 7.30am on Andoom Road and goes through Rocky Point.
