Have a run, save the reef at the 2023 Murray Bridge Marathon Festival
The locally run festival, coming up this weekend, has pledged its support for climate action through a partnership with Run 4 Planet.
One of Murray Bridge’s biggest athletic events will be on again this weekend – and newly dedicated to saving the Great Barrier Reef.
The Murray Bridge Marathon Festival’s organisers last week announced a partnership with Run 4 Planet, a social movement for action against the effects of climate change.
Everyone who registers for Sunday’s event – whether over the full 42 kilometres, the 5km “spooky Halloween” fun run/walk, or a distance in between – will help raise awareness of three organisations helping to save the Great Barrier Reef.
The Forever Reef Project aims to preserve specimens of each of the world’s coral species, and to replant them in areas affected by high ocean temperatures; Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef measure the impacts of coral bleaching; and WWF Australia advocates for policy changes that can make a difference.
In return, each runner will get a free “reefie” head scarf.
They will also be invited to do their own fundraising in aid of the three reef charities.
Event organiser Morgan Coull, from Murraylands Multisports, said joining the campaign had been a no-brainer.
“This is a great initiative we are proud to get behind,” he said.
“It’s been easy to get involved and we believe every bit helps to make our planet a healthier place.”
Athletes will be invited to a special runners’ night at the Bridgeport Hotel on Saturday before assembling at Sturt Reserve for the race start early on Sunday morning.
Marathon runners will set off at 6am, half-marathon runners at 7.45, 10km runners at 8 o’clock and fun run participants at 8.15.
The old Murray Bridge will be closed for part of the morning to allow runners to cross.
Coffee and refreshments will be available at the finish line, back at the reserve.
- Register for the marathon festival: raceroster.com.
- More information: www.mmievents.net.au.
- Preview the run route: www.strava.com.
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