Perfect Place to salute Phil

Phil Hungerford, organiser of runs and triathlons in Moreton Bay region and beyond for more than 40 years, is to have a reserve named in his honour.

A park on the corner Sylvan Beach Esp and Marine Pde - the Bribie Triathlon Series transition area - will become Phil Hungerford Place at 2pm on Saturday.

It will be a tribute to the man who has co-ordinated the Bribie Tri Series – the longest running triathlon in Queensland - from that reserve since 1982.

Phil was a founding member of Redcliffe Triathlon Club in 1990. He is now a life member and the club’s current director of coaching.

He has also been a co-ordinator and volunteer for many world, international, state, regional and schools events - and competed for almost 50 years.

“This is very humbling and I appreciate it,” said Phil, “people have done a lot of work to make this happen.

“It will be nice for my grandchildren and future generations (of my family) to see people thought I did something significant for the area.

“But if I had my way, we’d have a beer and no fanfare!”

Redcliffe Triathlon Club (RTC) initiated the drive and made the submission to Moreton Bay City Council to name the reserve after Phil.

RTC President Nev Sprott described Phil is a “great asset for the club and the community of Moreton Bay region”.

“Phil Hungerford has been an institution on Bribie through the Bribie Tri Series events, between October and February every year.

“The reserve opens up an ideal opportunity to honour this man for his contribution to local businesses, providing access for all in swimming, running, cycling and showcasing the best use of Bribie's facilities and waterways.”

Phil has been competing in events for more than 48 years with his first marathon being in 1979 on the Gold Coast. Countless half marathons, triathlons and Ironman have followed.

He formed Race Promotions and now is director of a team responsible for numerous events across South-East Queensland and North Queensland.

They include: Rainbow Beach Double Triathlon, All Schools Tri Championships, Hervey Bay 100, Australian National Schools Tri Championships, Queensland Half Marathon, Mt Mee Classic Trail Marathon and Trail Runs, Australian Junior Invitational Triathlon, Yungaburra Triathlon and the Criterium Relay.

For more than 30 years he has volunteered as Queensland Schools Co-ordinator and Director for Triathlon and been on the Gold Coast Marathon committee.

He volunteered for the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane as Coordinator Triathlon, Marathon and Walking Events and has co-ordinated marathon and walking for the World Masters Games and World Veterans Games.

Phil has co-ordinated the northern section of the Gold Coast Marathon Course and supported Bramble Bay Cross Country and Met North Cross Country.

Other voluntary roles include St Paul's School, Bald Hills cross country and athletics; Athletics North Past President, Founding Member and Life Member; Queensland Running timekeeper and official and Run Inn Runners Club Founder, President and Coach.

Charities and organisations to receive funds from events Phil organised in this region include the Endeavour Foundation, Hear and Say Foundation, Bribie RSL and Bribie Vietnam Veterans.