The History of Cane2Coral

On a sunny, quiet afternoon on October 2009 in the front bar of the Bargara Beach Hotel, Kerry Short and Neil Rowland were discussing the future of the Bargara SLSC. They needed a new fundraising event to maintain the future of the club. For 38 years the club had successfully run the Bundaberg Summertime Surf Girl, but due to the change in the modern world this event had run its course.  Whilst sharing a few cold cleansing XXXX’s the pair struck onto an idea that aligned with surf lifesaving but would also appeal to the greater community. Neil, from Sydney, was very aware of the fun runs held in Sydney and knew that here they were in one of the best geographical locations in Australia and the lay of the land also would be perfect for a fun run event. With Neil recently seeing many of his close family affected by cancer and losing his father to cancer he wanted to ensure that any event they held, contributed largely to the Cancer Council. Kerry was happy as long as the Surf Lifesaving Club benefited along with the Cancer Council. Although the idea was not penned famously on a napkin or coaster, the idea itself was imbedded in 2 of the most passionate men in Bundaberg.

Neil Rowland & Kerry Short

Crucial to the success of Cane2Coral was the level of expertise and professionalism brought by Bundaberg’s own Olympian, Anita Palm.  In the first 2 years in her role as the Event Director, Anita “set the bar” in terms of attention to detail, registration processes, computer marketing, professional individual timing and health management procedures. Anita’s continuing consultative role ensures that Cane2Croeal’s processes/procedures continue to be assessed and developed.

A fun run is not created overnight though and lots of ground work needed to be done and most importantly sponsors needed to be sought. Neil himself took it on personally to approach sponsors and since the inception of Cane2Coral many sponsors have come on board and those like The Friendly Society Private Hospital, Bundaberg Sugar and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks have been there since day one and contribute valuable assistance and has seen the addition of McDonalds in 2011 as a major sponsor. 

Major Sponsors - Bundaberg Sugar, Friendly Society Private Hospital and Bundaberg  Brewed Drinks

On Sunday 1^st August 2010 the inaugural Cane2Coral was officially started with 2190 entrants, well over expectation. Former New Zealand Olympian, Dale Warrander, has the honour of being the first winner of the Cane2Coral Fun Run and showcases the widespread appeal that the Cane2Coral attracts.  Brisbane based runner Helen Stanton was the first female competitor to finish the race.

No event on any scale can survive without the addition of the crucial assistance of volunteers. In a true show of community spirit, hundreds of people have offered their time, resources and skills over the years in making this a community driven event. The Cane2Coral recognises this generosity by returning the gesture to all charities that lend their time and resources. Last year a total of $112,250 being donated to various charities including the Cancer Council, Ronald McDonald House, The Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and many local schools, sporting and charity organizations since the inception of the Cane2Coral Fun Run.

In 2011 more than 400 competitors travelled further than 400km and has seen visitors from as far as New Zealand and Germany. With over 2000 entrants in the inaugural year exceeding most expectations the event has grown more every year. With the dedicated team working behind the scenes great things are ahead and it won’t be long until the Cane2Coral becomes part of the Australian running calendar.