March 25, 2026

LACE UP 24th Burdekin Sugar Rush Event to Return in April

Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Inc. is very excited to again host our home-grown half marathon and running festival, The Burdekin Sugar Rush, on Sunday, 26 April.

The Burdekin Sugar Rush is the marquee event on the Burdekin Road Runners’ calendar. The event is being held for the 24th year and attracts participants from across the wider North Queensland region. The Burdekin Sugar Rush is also the first event in the Athletics North Queensland Half Marathon Series and gains additional publicity as a result.

This event attracts hundreds of people to our community over the race weekend, utilising local accommodation, motels, cafés, and restaurants. This provides a welcome boost for many local businesses and the hospitality sector. The event is also a great vehicle to help drive health and fitness goals for many people, with numerous participants going on to maintain positive fitness habits in the long term.

The event is organised exclusively by Burdekin Road Runners members and volunteers. We are strongly supported by Burdekin Shire Council, our local Rotary Club, and the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club.

We will again run our extended 16-kilometre first lap for the half marathon course due to the water table issues still affecting Plantation Park. However, we received a great deal of positive feedback about this course change last year and are excited to run it again.

Early registration numbers suggest a very strong field, with a record number of participants already registered.

The continued success of the Burdekin Sugar Rush relies on the support of our community, volunteers, and local organisations. Events such as this not only promote health and active lifestyles but also showcase the Burdekin region as a welcoming destination for visitors from across North Queensland.

Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Inc are proud to deliver an event that brings people together, supports local businesses, and highlights the strength of community spirit within our region. We look forward to hosting another successful event in 2026.

Contributed with thanks to Patrick Shannon, Burdekin Road Runner and Walkers Inc President.

What: Burdekin Sugar Rush

When: Sunday, 26 April

Where: Anzac Park

Burdekin Road Runner and Walkers Inc are gearing up for the 24th instalment of the beloved Burdekin Sugar Rush event! Photo source: Burdekin Road Runner and Walkers Inc