The stars have aligned for the 2014 QUT Classic! This year's fun run around central Brisbane not only promises a fantastic family day out - it also coincides with International Star Wars Day.
Hundreds of serious - and not so serious - entrants will contest a choice of scenic 1km, 5km or 10km routes around QUT, South Bank and the CBD on Sunday, May 4.
Prizes will be handed out for the fastest runners but awards will also be given to the best-dressed team and the biggest team.
May 4 has become Star Wars Day for fans around the globe - the date being chosen as a play on "May the Force (fourth) be with you".
To celebrate, Yoda will make a special guest appearance at the QUT Classic at 7.20am to help little kids (and the big kids) warm up for the 1km event while the Indie Chamber Orchestra does a live performance of the Star Wars theme. The special visit has been organised by Healthstream QUT, who operate the university's pools and gyms and are a race sponsor.
Classic organiser Cheryl Goodwin from QUT Student Engagement said the second annual event would also be combined with a buskers festival, ensuring plenty of entertainment around Gardens Point campus and along the route.
"We had entertainment along the route last year, but this year it will be much bigger with entertainment on the stage on the Kidney Lawn at QUT from 8am to 1pm, as well as along the route," she said.
"The Classic Buskers Festival is being organised by the QUT Music Society and will feature some of Brisbane's best buskers and bands as well as QUT talent. There's going to be a mix of music, dance, circus and comedy."
The QUT Classic will also raise funds for QUT's Learning Potential Fund, which provides scholarships for low-income students, and the White Cloud Foundation, which provides resources and support for people with depression.
About 1200 people registered for last year's event and organisers are hoping for a similar - if not bigger - turnout in 2014.
The race will begin and end at QUT Gardens Point, where breakfast will be available for purchase. Both the 5km and 10km events will begin at 8am, with the 1km event starting at 7.30am.
QUT Classic registration costs $25 for the 1km event, $30 for 5km and $35 for 10km. Register online here or Google "QUT Classic 2014".
People can register as individuals or in teams. One of the biggest teams is expected to be the Learning Potential Fund team, which is open to QUT staff, students and donors and the general public.
Participants who register before 30 April will receive a race pack that includes a race bib, timing chip, and race briefing. The first 1000 entrants will also receive a free limited edition QUT Classic T-shirt.
QUT Running is offering all registrants free training sessions in the six weeks leading up to this event - visit their Facebook page for details.
Volunteer marshals are needed to help around the course - please register here if interested. Buskers keen to take part can apply here.
For more information on the QUT Classic, contact Cheryl Goodwin on 07 3138 9447 or c.goodwin@qut.edu.au.
Media contact: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media, media@qut.edu.au
