GET SET FOR NOOSA RUNAWAY

By Fiona Ewington

FOR THOSE KEEN TO ENJOY MEDAL GLORY FOR RUNNING DISTANCES BETWEEN 5KM AND A FULL MARATHON, RUNAWAY NOOSA WHICH TAKES PLACE ALONG NOOSA PARADE ON SATURDAY 27 MAY 2023, IS THE PLACE TO BE.

Athletes, some local, some international, are invited to enjoy the winter sun and run along Noosa’s picturesque, palm- tree lined streets while enjoying extensive water views, entertainment, atmosphere, and a unique vibe. It’s no wonder thousands are expected to have fun while they “Chase the Sun.”

Volunteers from local schools, sports groups and community organisations will be giving their time while raising funds for their clubs, providing water and hydration products at aid stations, handing out medals at the finishing line and cycling the course, sending information back to event organisers of the lead runners’ progress. Noosa Masters Swimming Club members will be riding bikes amongst the leaders keeping them on track.

In addition, the Swim Noosa event on Sunday 28 May will have a big team of volunteers from Noosa Masters Swim Club making sure competitors are checked in and numbered correctly and assisting swimmers at the start and finishing line.

Many Noosa Masters swimmers have recently returned from state championships in Mackay and national championships in Hobart with a hoard of medals and 25 state and national records. Competition between locals and visitors in the Swim Noosa event will be fierce!

The Noosa Masters club has 80 members, with many competing in pool and open water swimming events around Queensland and interstate. By volunteering at Runaway Noosa and the Noosa Triathlon, the club raises funds needed to pay coaches and to host an annual swim meet that attracts around 150 competitors from 20 or more clubs.

Based at the Noosa Aquatic Centre, the club welcomes swimmers over the age of 18, with most members currently aged from 50 to over 80 with the pool sessions run by coaches focusing on fitness, technique and endurance.

Without the commitment local volunteer organisations such as The Noosa Masters Swim Club bring to local events, they would not be the success that they are.

Runaway Noosa is a part of the Runaway Marathon Series, which has hand-picked the most stunning destinations in New Zealand, Hawkes Bay and Queenstown as well as Sydney and Noosa here in Australia.

Those who compete at all four will receive an exclusive MVP, (Most Valuable Player) award.

For anyone keen to challenge themselves to an endurance run or swim, with variable distances, Noosa is the best place to be on 27 and 28 May.

For information on volunteering at Runaway Noosa please visit the Runaway Noosa website.

For information on Noosa Masters Swim Club, please email noosamastersswimming@ outlook.com or visit the NAC on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Sunday mornings from 7am to 9am.