Sport
9 July, 2025
Calling Indigenous runners
THE organisers of the fourth edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival in September have joined forces with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people to participate.
Festival director Bade Stapleton said he was excited about the partnership.
“Our new Run Port Douglas event is an awesome new addition to the event program this year,” he said.
“A partnership with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation will help provide the opportunity for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in Run Port Douglas,” he said.
The events include a 21.1km half marathon and 10km, 5km and 2km run events on Saturday, September 13.
Douglas Shire Mayor, Lisa Scomazzon said she was pleased to see the festival recognise and celebrate the community’s cultural diversity.
“This new partnership between the Indigenous Marathon Foundation partner and the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival should be commended. (The) council welcomes any initiative that encourages inclusivity and community,” she said.
IMF Running and Walking (RAW) Redlynch run leader and proud Bundjalung man Brendan Larcombe is excited about getting involved in Run Port Douglas.
“Running is when I feel most free. It is a vehicle for change, growth and becoming,” he said.
“Our run club is built on respect for each other, our culture and a sense of belonging – and to help inspire a healthy lifestyle. We appreciate the opportunity for our young people to participate in the 5km event in September, which is a reward for all their hard work.
IMF Raw run leader TJ Cora (also known as Timothy Stephens) said as a proud Kuku Yalanji man with connections to Country stretching from Cooktown down to Mossman, it was “powerful to see an event like this taking place on country – bringing people together in the spirit of health, resilience and community”.
“IMF is committed to creating change through running, and this partnership is a step forward in celebrating Indigenous strength, culture, and leadership in the running space,” he said.
Mr Stapleton said the main events of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival would continue with the Hartley’s to Port MTB Race also finishing on Four Mile Beach on Saturday, September 13. Then the 136km and 100km Gran Fondo, 60km Semi Fondo and 48km Medio Fondo will all happen on Sunday, September 14.
“The Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival now has an event for everyone, whether you are a cyclist or just enjoy getting outside for a run or walk. Entries for all events are now open,” he said.
Visit https://bit.ly/4jdFFUn to enter the ride events and
https://bit.ly/4jvXUE5 to enter the running events.
