Brisbane has a number of iconic events each year.
From Ekka, to a raucous home State of Origin game — and perhaps you could even consider those thunderstorms rolling through in spring and summer as iconic too. (I had to include something weather-related!)
For me, the Bridge to Brisbane also holds a place as an iconic part of the city.
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The visual of tens of thousands of runners climbing the Gateway Bridge and snaking towards the city will forever live in my memory, along with the burn in the legs for those last few strides to the finish line at the Showgrounds!
I’ve been lucky enough to participate in the Bridge to Brisbane a number of times now. This year will be my eighth.
Tony Auden will be running for the eighth time in the Bridge to Brisbane. Credit: Supplied
The first attempt I was a little scared having never run 10km before, but then by the second attempt I somehow set a PB of less than 45 minutes, lungs burning at the finish line.
Then came a mix of slower runs and even walking the 5km a few years back when I was post knee surgery and helping to push a friend’s pram.
Last year may have been my final 10km effort. I managed to beat my news-desk colleague Katrina Blowers to the finish, spurred on by the wager that the loser would have to record something musical and post it on social media.
I had done minimal training and could barely walk for days afterwards.
This year the 7NEWS Queensland meteorologist will be running the 5km. Credit: Supplied
Katrina on the other hand was training for a marathon and could have run the course again straight away. I’m still yet to see that clip, Katrina!
They all give me fond memories, and that’s probably what keeps bringing me back.
It’s not really about the time on the clock. There’s something pretty special about standing on the start line surrounded by thousands of people, all there for different reasons.
Some are chasing a PB, some are raising money for a cause close to their heart and plenty are simply challenging themselves to make it to the finish line.
This year, my knee is a little more tender, so I’ll be running the 5km.
But whichever distance you’re doing, and whatever your reason — charity, fitness, a PB or just having some fun — it’s an amazing community atmosphere.
Auden running in the marathon with colleague Katrina Blowers. Credit: Supplied
There are hundreds of families supporting loved ones from the sidelines, strangers cheering you on, and bands dotted along the course providing a welcome distraction when the legs start to hurt.
So while my Bridge to Brisbane looks a little different this year, I still can’t wait to get out there with so many other people on that Sunday morning in September.
And as for the weather? A cool, crisp Brisbane morning with light winds would do nicely.
I’ll see what I can arrange!