Inclusive Futures competes in the Gold Coast Marathon

Congratulations to the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and Griffith University staff, students and ambassadors with disability who competed in the 2023 Gold Coast Marathon this weekend.


A shout out to several members of our team who powered home to the finishing line in their respective races:


Katie standing next to Running Guide Simon. Both smiling and showing their finisher’s medals.

Katie standing next to Running Guide Simon. Both smiling and showing their finisher’s medals.


KATIE KELLY OAM PLY & SIMON FOSTER

Inclusive Futures Engagement Council and Gold Medalist para-triathlete (Rio 2016 Paralympics) Katie Kelly and her amazing guide Simon ran a powerful race together in the full marathon 42.2km (F45-49) today with a time of 3:47:56 – Congratulations Katie and Simon!!! We are in awe of not only your combined endurance and stamina, but your incredible teamwork!


“Today I could run because of people like Simon. A father of two, with his own business, he found time to train with me on the weekends and run today. That’s community at its best. And today despite the challenges of running with less than 5-degree vision, I felt free. I was reminded again why we must always stay focussed on celebrating what we can do today.” Katie Kelly OAM PLY


MICHAEL DOBBIE-BRIDGES OAM PLY

Michael—a former Paralympic tennis champion and Inclusive Futures Engagement Council Member raced the 21km (M40-44) event on Saturday, with a most impressive 2:07:42 time – Epic result, Michael!


Kudos also to Michael and Katie, who teamed up to raise money for the Sports Access Foundation, which supports children with disability to play more sport and live healthier and happier lives.

A montage of colour photos from this weekends Gold Coast Marathon. Image 1 – Top Left: Michael Dobbie-Bridges, a young white man in his manual race chair together with son Harvey after his half-marathon race. Michael and 3-year-old Harvey smile for the camera, as Harvey wears Michael’s race medal. Top Right: Dr Maretta Mann, a young white brunette woman standing amongst the finishers of the 10km race at Southport Parklands on the Gold Coast. Maretta wears black running attire consisting of a short sleeve top and half length tights and a cap, wearing her medal around her neck. Bottom Left: Justin Pamenter, a middle age white man with brown short hair, waves mid race, as he runs in the 10km past the Labrador foreshore. Bottom Right: Justin in black running shorts and singlet smiles at the finish of his race, and shows off his medal.

DR MARETTA MANN

Maretta, our very own Inclusive Futures Strategic Development Manager, ran an exceptional race in the 10km (F45-49) with a 53:30 time. Exceptional time Maretta!

And lastly, a shout out to JUSTIN PAMENTER, from Griffith’s Learning Futures team, who ran his second fastest time in the 10km, with 59:37 (M50-54).

Congratulations to all the athletes and citizens with disability and chronic conditions who competed. Awesome achievement everyone!

Did you participate in the event? Let us know, so we can celebrate with you!


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