At the beginning of the 2011/2012 surf season, a plan was hatched by two Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club members for a three-swim fundraising series.
The series was such a success, attracting more than 150 competitors over the races, that it was decided to do it all again and make it bigger and better than last time.
And so, it’s back this weekend with a new name “The Kingy Challenge”, a new sponsor local swimwear company Kozii and new events.
“This year is all about challenge, challenging yourself, your mates, your workmate,” Cudgen official Cheryl Cain who, along with Alesha Spence, has been the driving force behind the event, a major fundraiser for the club.
“This is a fun community fitness event open to all ages. It involves a 350m flat water swim in Cudgen Creek and a 4km run. All participants begin the swim leg in the Creek then transition to complete the run leg and finish at our Surf Club.
“The aim of this event was to promote fun, fitness and friendship and encourage participation, regardless of ability and of course to raise much needed funds for our Club.
“Our competitors ranged from beginners looking to improve their fitness, aspiring athletes, old hands and teams of two, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed the Kingscliff Turbine Swim Run Series last season.
“There were random prize draws at the completion of the last race, where all competitors had the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes. We gratefully thank our local business people who supported this event and also Bolle and the Jet Star Gold Coast Titans.”
Cheryl said this was not a shared event, it was 100 per cent home grown.
“That means 100 per cent profit comes to the Surf Club,” she said.
Race one gets underway on Sunday morning at the Creek, starting next to the registration area near the boat ramp and, for the first time, the event will also include a walk over the same course for those who aren’t quite feeling that energetic on a Sunday morning.
Registration is from 6.30am with the event starting at 7am.
The second race will be on December 9, with the final event on January 27.
