The 29-year tradition of The University of Queensland’s Great Court Race is back in May, with entries now open for the main event, as well as two new races.
UQ Sport’s UniLife Manager Adin Hewat said the new races included a staff relay and a UQ Clubs relay, which invited UQ clubs, societies and sporting groups to submit teams for the first time.
“We hope the faculties and clubs jump on board and create the foundations of some great rivalries,” said Mrs Hewat.
“There is always an element of prestige in being an inaugural winner.”
The relays will cover the same 636-metre lap of the UQ Great Court of the main race, but will feature four runners covering irregular legs of 145m, 156, 155m and 180m respectively.
The heats will take place on Wednesday 22 May from 1pm to 2pm, with the finals the following week on Wednesday 29 May from 1pm to 2pm.
This year the event program also includes a 70-metre sprint race and an inter-college relay, with Duchesne College and Kings College the reigning champions respectively.
The main race is open to all UQ undergraduate students, while all UQ staff and students (including postrgraduate students) are welcome to enter the sprint event, with prizes for the winners.
Entries close on Wednesday 15 May at 5pm. Entries cost $15 per person for the Great Court Race, $10 per person for the 70m sprint race, and $28 per team for the relays.
Now in its 29th year, the Great Court Race has become one of The University of Queensland’s proudest traditions. The race was first held in 1985 to celebrate The University of Queensland's 75th anniversary, and is based on the historic Cambridge University Race, as depicted in the film Chariots of Fire.
Last year’s winners were Jordan Pearce, in a time of 1 min 32.26 seconds, and Caitlin Sargent who set a new women’s record with 1 min 41.16 second.
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Media: JP Crawford, UQ Sport, 07 3346 9618 or jpc@uqs.com.au
