Image: 20-year Park2Park participant Rob Richards
For two decades, Park2Park, has been encouraging the community to lace up their sneakers and come together for a day of fun, fitness and fundraising, right in the heart of Ipswich, and this year, the flagship event celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The 20th annual charity run, Ipswich Hospital Foundation Park2Park, presented by University of Southern Queensland, silver partner CleanCo Qld, and supporting partners, Bank of Queensland Riverlink, Ipswich City Council and Club Services Ipswich, is set to take place on Sunday 28 July 2024 at Bill Paterson Oval at Limestone Park.
Participants can choose between three great courses 10KM, 5KM or the Kid’s Challenge (400m obstacle course). There’s also a novelty Mascot Race to entertain all, plus a Kid’s Zone and food trucks, making Park2Park a great family day out.
Longtime local runner Rob Richards is a staunch Park2Park supporter, with 2024 marking the 20th time he’s taken part, and making him one of the founding members of the Park2Park Champions Club.
Rob, who started running at the age of 50, took part in the very first Park2Park event held in 2004. Since developing a passion for running, Rob has travelled the world, taking part in some of the most famous and iconic runs across the globe including marathons in New York, Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, and London, and he says Ipswich’s Park2Park stacks up with the best of them.
“I’ve done 27 marathons – all six of the world majors – and I think Park2Park has been one of the toughest but best courses I’ve ever done,” Rob said.
“I’ve taken part every year because Park2Park is such a big part of the local community. Ipswich really is a great place; we built our house here in 1973 and raised our children here
“Seeing all the people out here for Park2Park, it’s an amazing atmosphere, and it wouldn’t happen without Ipswich Hospital Foundation and the work they do.
As well as being a major feature on the city’s annual events calendar and providing an opportunity for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities to get out and enjoy Ipswich’s parklands, Park2Park is a chance for the community to come together to raise vital funds for the West Moreton Health region.
There’s still time to make your impact and sign up here.
