Run Queensland’s ultra fundraiser sucess gets standing ovation
By Sonia Isaacs
SUNSHINE Coast’s very first backyard Ultra, the Glasshouse Standing was a runaway success with 116 competitors welcoming in the New Year in unprecedented style.
Dedicated runners battled it out over an almost 24 hour period to compete in the inaugural Wild Horse Mountain event.
Also a fundraiser, the event provided a unique and exhilarating opportunity for the Sunshine Coast running community to welcome in 2024. Run Queensland organiser, Brett Standring, said he was blown away by the interest shown for the event which also raised over $10,000 in support of the ‘Save our Glass House Mountains’ (SOGHM) campaign.
“We really appreciated the incredible efforts of everyone who participated, everyone who volunteered or helped to put this event together, as well as everyone who came along over the 24 hours to support the runners. It was fantastic to see people challenge themselves while also supporting a great cause. It was an awesome way to bring in the New Year and we’re keen to do it again!” Brett said.
By all accounts conditions for the inaugural event were tough as competitors braved fatigue, rain and very humid weather to ‘run for two years’ as they raced over New Year’s Eve and into 2024 in a battle against time (and tiredness) to conquer the 6.7km loop within the hour – every hour until ultimately only one runner remained to claim the ‘golden horseshoe’.
Gympie based competitor and ‘last man standing’ was Ryan Crawford who completed an impressive 23 loops of the circuit before being declared the winner. Ryan said although an experienced Ultra runner, he found the 154km run ‘quite tough’ with the additional challenges of hot conditions even throughout the night, trip hazards and mud.
“Glasshouse Standing was a fantastic event and I was also glad to support the fight to save the Glass House Mountains. These events for me are never about just winning, they are about challenging myself to constantly push my limits. When I line up to any particular event it’s about creating a mindset that is prepared for anything that stands in my way. We are all challenged in life in so many different aspects so be sure you are strong enough to be unstoppable!” Ryan said.
Brett said witnessing the epic efforts and heart-warming stories of competitors made the event unforgettable.
“Witnessing the competitors push their limits was an absolute honour. Get ready because we will finish 2024 and welcome 2025 in the same spirit! For those that embarked on this journey for the first time this year, you’ve got plenty of time to stratergize, train and smash your goals!” Brett said.