By Margaret Maccoll
It was a far cry from the usual experience of pacing yourself alongside thousands of runners but it was no less gruelling for a group of Sunshine Coast Marathon founding members who ran from Noosa to Alexandra Headland Surf Club on Saturday as part of the 2020 virtual marathon.
About 1500 people signed up to participate in the virtual event after Covid-19 restrictions prevented the usual format from going ahead.
Founding member Stephen Gage of Zinc Noosa said the group and members of the Noosa Run Club joined participants completing distances of marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km in their own way from running on treadmills to running around their blocks.
Among the group that began their race from Zinc Noosa was inaugural winner triathlete Adam Fitzakerley, McDonald’s Noosa owner Gary Binet and former owner Greg Biggs, event organiser Jason Crowther and Ironman competitor Casey Munro.
Since its inception 10 years ago the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon has raised more than $1.5 million for charity and community groups.
Stephen said Noosa charities to benefit over the years include Katie Rose Cottage and House with No Steps with most money going to the Ronald McDonald house charity.
The popular event last year attracted 6500 participants and about 15,000 spectators and raised more than $140,000 for charity.
Stephen said in addition to raising money for charity the event brought much business to the Sunshine Coast.
He said organisers would have been able to meet Covid-19 social distance restrictions with race participants but it would have been impossible to ensure measures were adhered to among spectators.
