May 15, 2015
The second annual Reconciliation Fun Run (or walk!) is on again this Sunday from Murgon to Cherbourg.
The Fun Run was a magnificent success last year with people from all walks of life, and from all over south-east Queensland, rubbing shoulders on the 7km route from Murgon to Cherbourg.
This year there are some very good reasons to take part – on top of the obvious aims of promoting health and well-being, building friendships, having fun and sharing hope in the future.
There are three special sportspeople taking part who could prove pretty hard to beat …
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1. Larissa Chambers took part in the Fun Run last year but that was before she represented Australia as a sprinter at the World Junior Championships in the United States.
Larissa’s family was originally from Cherbourg and she has a lot of friends in the South Burnett. Larissa’s big aim is to run at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
She’s been competing in athletics competitions since she was nine years old and is currently ranked in the Top 10 in Australia for the women’s 100m behind Olympic 100m hurdles gold medallist Sally Pearson and Australian 100m record-holder Melissa Breen.
2. Shannon McCann, who is being sponsored by Athletics Australia, was a finalist in the 100 metres hurdles at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Born in Innisfail, her family moved to Perth when she was six-years-old.
She’s a twice national champion in the 100m hurdles and away from running is studying a triple major in forensic biology, toxicology and biomedical science.
The big question with Shannon is: What colour will her hair be on Sunday? Shannon has competed at championships with bright yellow hair, red, pink and white, chequered …
The third sports star to be taking part is literally throwing her muscles behind the cause.
3. Rhonda Purcell grew up in Cherbourg and is a Deadly Choices ambassador for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.
However, she has a passion for body building and has won two gold medals in international championships as well as a string of other titles. She hopes to one day turn professional in this sport.
Will Rhonda’s finely honed muscles prove a threat to the other runners and walkers?
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The other great reason to take part is to support Cherbourg’s award-winning Ration Shed Museum.
Funds raised on the day will help the Museum keep ticking over while the problems with its ongoing funding are sorted out.
Cost to take part is just $20 for adults, $5 for children or $2 for children taking part in a school group. Adult pensioners are $12.
The run starts at the Murgon Showgrounds at 8:00am.
For Cherbourg residents taking part, a bus will be leaving from in front of the Us Mob radio station studios at 7:15am to take runners / walkers to Murgon.
There’ll be a bus back from Cherbourg to Murgon running throughout the morning, however don’t rush back because there is a lot happening after the run finishes.
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A celebration of Reconciliation will be held at the end of the run in the Cherbourg Memorial Park and at The Ration Shed Museum.
“We’ll have a big party with food, games, dancers, performers and a variety of market stalls,” event co-ordinator Zona Hussey-Smith said.
Prizes will be awarded to those who cross the finish line first in a number of categories – including a prize for the best dressed team.
“Be a participant, be a sponsor, be a market-stall holder or just an observer – everyone is welcome,” Zona said.
“Do your bit for Reconciliation, do your bit for the Ration Shed, do your bit for better health and well-being!”
School groups are also invited to register. As of Tuesday, two schools had signed up: Southern Cross Catholic College, Redcliffe, and St Edmund’s College, Ipswich.
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There are also a heap of other activities happening in Cherbourg on the day.
Creative Tracks will be hosting performances by local and visiting musicians/singers and there’ll be performances by the Wondai Line Dancers.
For the kids, there’ll be two jumping castles, an animal nursery, mini pony rides, circus activities by Karla, face painting and competitions.
There’ll also be sports workshops for children at the Sports Complex from 11:00am which are being conducted by high profile sportsmen in the areas of basketball, cricket, soccer and league.
The Ration Shed displays and exhibitions will also be open to the public.
Reconciliation Queensland will be hosting a reconciliation trivia games tournament in the Reconciliation Qld Marquee throughout the morning and will be asking for a gold coin donation.
Food and refreshments will be available for a small cost throughout the day plus there’ll be market stalls selling different items.
Donation tins will be around for anyone who would like to provide extra support to The Ration Shed and its programs.
Community Health will be making yummy fruit smoothies and there will be free fresh fruit and water available.
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Video by Creative Tracks of the 2014 Run:
CBG Reconciliation Fun Run 2014 from Creative Tracks on Vimeo.
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