{"id":374440,"date":"2026-07-20T17:36:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T07:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=374440"},"modified":"2026-07-20T17:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T07:39:22","slug":"express-runners-on-their-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2026\/07\/20\/express-runners-on-their-way\/","title":{"rendered":"Express Runners On Their Way!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Race director John Purcell and volunteer Steve Mentiplay with the South Burnett Express Rail Trail Relay perpetual trophy at last year’s event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

July 20, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Entries are now open for the 6th annual South Burnett Express Rail Trail Relay, a unique running event hosted in the South Burnett by the Ashgrove Rangers Athletics Club.<\/p>\n

The race – which will be run on Sunday, July 26 –\u00a0 follows the rail trail from Kingaroy to Wondai and back, a distance of about 60km.<\/p>\n

Teams of between five to eight run legs that range from 400m to just under 8km, with most runners covering about 5km before tagging their teammate.<\/p>\n

\u201cSix years in, we have established a great format. What keeps people coming back is the combination of a great location and a love for running,\u201d race director John Purcell said.<\/p>\n

Queensland Athletics has sanctioned the 2026 event as the State Road Relay Championships, adding a competitive edge for those chasing the title.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe get everything from serious club runners to groups of mates who\u2019ve signed up as a fitness goal. Everyone is welcome,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

The social side of the event is a big part of the appeal.<\/p>\n

Teams are encouraged to make a weekend of it. There\u2019s a dinner before the race, and a barbecue and presentations at O\u2019Neill Square once the last runner crosses the line.<\/p>\n