Wheelchair race added to Jetty 2 Jetty

The GKS Law 10km wheelchair race is expected to draw a competitive field and open the event up to people of all abilities when it’s added to the Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run program this year.

Registrations have opened for the category along with the GKS Law 10km, the 5km, Sesame Lane 3km and Redcliffe Markets 21km events.

Elite wheelchair athlete Natasha Price typically competes in marathons but says a shortage of road races also forced her on the track to compete in shorter events such as 100m, 200m and 400m.

She says being able to compete in the GKS Law Wheelchair 10km race was “fantastic news”.

“For a long time, we’ve been saying there needs to be more events for us to participate in. We want to develop athletes, so they can represent our country but can’t because it’s so hard to find events they can take part in,” she explains.

“I can imagine a lot of Queensland athletes that will want to do it. At the moment, there’s the Gold Coast Marathon and Bridge to Brisbane and that’s about it in South East Queensland.”

She predicts the Jetty 2 Jetty will appeal to day chair users and elite racers.

“Sport is so important for everyone, let alone anyone in a wheelchair, trying to keep on top of their health and fitness,”

She says the biggest problem is the perception wheelchair athletes are a trip hazard to able-bodied athletes.

Inclusion in the Jetty 2 Jetty will hopefully show other event organisers how it can be managed.

Natasha is planning to compete and will use it as a training run for the Sunshine Coast Marathon.

She will be encouraging athletes she knows to take part.

How it will work

The GKS Law Wheelchair 10km race will run in conjunction with the GKS Law 10km run/walk and start with wave of elite wheelchair athletes.

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) Chairman Shane Newcombe says the introduction of this category follows collaboration and feedback from wheelchair athletes who have previously completed Jetty 2 Jetty along with support from Spinal Life Australia.

“I am proud of the team who work tirelessly to make this fun run better each year. The inclusion of the 10km wheelchair category will be a fantastic addition, making the event as inclusive as the course allows,” he says.

Thanks to Spinal Life Australia, prize money of $800 for first place, $400 for second and $200 for third will give competitors added incentive, and it mirrors what is on offer in the GKS Law 10km run/walk category.

Certified course

The additional category coincides with news the course has been certified by the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

This means the course has been accurately measured and set up, so competitors complete the correct distance and can be considered by athletic governing bodies for records or qualifying criteria.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery is elated with the course certification and inclusion of the 10km wheelchair race.

“There’s no better way for our events to be bouncing back from COVID than by making them more inclusive for all,” he says.

“My ambition is to make this region the most accessible in South East Queensland and the inclusion of a wheelchair race is a great way to demonstrate that there are no barriers to enjoying the beauty of Moreton Bay.”

The Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run is on Sunday, July 18 from 5.30-10am, at Pelican Park, Clontarf.

It is proudly brought to you by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) and Moreton Bay Road Runners and partnered with Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Major Partner

rebel – healthy living expo and warm down zone

Race Sponsors

Redcliffe Markets – 21km

GKS Law – 10km

Sesame Lane – 3km

Water Pit Stop Sponsor

Grand Prix Mazda Caboolture – water pit stops

Media Partners

Channel 9

B105

For full event details and more information, visit the website