Channeling community spirit and a dash of quirky fun, local legend Troy “Chooky” Deighton and a group of feather-clad runners have completed the iconic 80km Chicken Run from Noosa to Caloundra which has raised $28,000 for local youth charity Lookout 07.
Lookout 07 founder Dr Leon Stensholm said the fundraising event was a huge success and would help to continue vital programs for disengaged local children wrestling with mental health challenges.
“On behalf of everyone at Lookout 07, including the hundreds of kids we work with every week, I thank Troy ‘Chooky’ Deighton as well as all the runners, volunteers and every donor who helped us raise such a wonderful amount of money,” Leon said.
“These funds are lifelines for charities like us as it helps to keep our doors open and continue to offer support to young people when they need it most.
“The commitment of everyone involved, whether they were pounding the pavement, helping with event logistics or contributing funds, it all shows that community care is real, that connection heals, and that hope lives here on the Sunshine Coast. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The Chicken Run journey began around 30 years ago when local radio identity Troy ‘Chookie’ Deighton dressed head‑to‑toe in a chicken suit from Noosa to Caloundra to raise funds for a local charity.
Over the years the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities and each year new runners join Chookie on his journey.
This year’s run included a host of Chookie’s friends as well as former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill, former world champion ultra ironman Richard Thompson, marathon runner Emmet Ryan and breakfast announcer Ash Gierke.
To donate to Lookout 07 visit: www.lookout07.org.au
