The Mounties Group Half Marathon is a new feature of this classic event
The iconic Beach2Beach Running Festival is back on 24 August. Since the first run in 1994 when it was called the Pub2Pub, the community has raised over $7 million for charity by running from Dee Why to Newport along the stunning Northern Beaches coastline. The festival has grown over the years and is now a must on the running calendar with about 5,000 participants each year.
Whether you like a longer challenge or a leisurely Sunday morning stroll, there’s a race for you with a choice of 3km, 6km, 14km. This year, there’s an exciting new kid on the block – the Mounties Group Half Marathon!
Play charity Be Centre is joining forces with the Gym Factory this year in an effort to maximise its fund raising. Last year the Gym Factory donated all money raised in last year’s event towards a new Be Centre play therapy centre in Warriewood. Be Centre offers play therapy to children who have experienced trauma.
Be Centre doesn’t get any ongoing government funding, so the Beach2Beach is an important fund-raising opportunity.
“We survive on fundraising initiatives, philanthropy and grants,” says Tania Taylor, chief executive officer of Be Centre. “Last year, Be Centre raised about $12,500 through the Beach2Beach and we’re hoping for around $15,000 this year.”
Be Centre used the funds for scholarships (valued at $2,600) and covers 12 therapy sessions, six parent support sessions and two parent reviews, but if children need more, Be Centre will keep helping them.
“We don’t stop working with the child until that child is ready to step into the world having processed their trauma,” Tania says. “They sometimes stay longer, with an average of around 21 sessions. If a child has had something really traumatic happen to them, such as sexual abuse or the loss of a parent, (it could be) two years before they’re ready to leave. If they’re on a scholarship, it will be funded.”
The Be Centre and Gym Factory team are looking forward to event and are hoping to have a big team participating in various races on the day.
“We anticipate around 50 to 60 people in the team,” says Tania. “I’ll be doing the 14km race, but I think that the rest of the team will be all over the place. They’ll probably have walkers who’ll do the shorter 6km, then there’ll be some serious gym buffs doing the new half marathon.”
The exciting new Mounties Group half marathon will kick off in Dee Why, and take runners on a magnificent course through Curl Curl, Freshwater, Long Reef, Narrabeen Lake, Turimetta, Warriewood, Mona Vale Beach, and up the challenging Barrenjoey Road hill, before finally reaching the finish line at Newport Beach.
After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate their achievements at a vibrant family-friendly Finish Festival, which includes a dedicated recovery area with physiotherapy, chiropractic and medical support. Running can work up an appetite, so luckily there will be a host of delicious food and drink offerings to refuel and replenish that energy.
Plenty of live entertainment is lined up, including the electrifying Northern Beaches’ band, Project 76. Other bands hailing from the Northern Beaches include indie outfit Saltwater Sons, and high energy locals Stacey’s Got A Gun (formally Hey Sugar Music). Echo Beats will be playing 1980s and 1990s hits, and The Overtones will be rocking the festival with power rock favourites.
The Finish Festival will include medal and prize presentations and lots of fun activities and entertainment for children too.
Sunday 24 August
The Strand Dee Why to Newport Beach
Cost: $15 to $90 until 12
August; $25 to $100 from 13 August
Visit: beach2beach.com.au