A Powerful Cause Takes Flight

By Hannah McNamara

A number of lucky participants are getting ready to take flight in the upcoming 2024 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run with a chance to snap up free return flights from Bonza, just for taking part.

This year, the event aims to not only break records, but to break barriers, rallying support for the Leukaemia Foundation and providing hope for those affected by blood cancer.

The all-inclusive 5km fun run is designed for everyone to come along, simply just to have fun and connect with the community whilst raising funds for the Mackay Leukaemia Foundation.

The non-competitive race is solely aimed to give all participants a chance to win a free bonza return flight, no matter if you place first, third or last position in the race! You’ve got to be in it to win it, so come along and support an amazing cause.

Will you run, walk, dance…or fly?  

Caption:

Participants in the upcoming Mackay Airport Twilight City Run could snap up free return flights from Bonza, just for taking part. Attendance in 2024 is tipped to surpass last year’s record-breaking turnout. Pictured L-R (back row) Keen participants Chrissy Evangelou, Glen Harmer, Tegan Philpott, Jenny Harmer, BMA Mackay Marina Run Event Director Tim Magoffin and Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles gathered at Mackay Airport ahead of the event on March 1.

Pictured L-R (front row) Krystal DeMaid, Andre, age 8, and Willow, age 7. Photo credit: Kai Millen, Life Media Productions

Win A Flight By Helping The Fight

The upcoming 2024 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is hosting a 5km fun run on the 1st of March to raise funds for the Mackay Leukemia Foundation. All are invited to participate with three return flights from Bonza airlines up for grabs! The winners will be drawn after the race, ensuring that everybody has a chance to win. To strictly focus on fun, times of the race will not be recorded to ensure everybody, including all fitness levels, ages and abilities have the opportunity to have a good time with the potential of being selected as the lucky winner.

It comes as organisers prepare for the popular, inclusive event to be bigger and better than ever, with attendance tipped to surpass last year’s record-breaking turnout.

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the annual 5km fun run, offers something for everyone. He highlights the greatness of the all-inclusive event and is excited to see everyone there.

“We really encourage everyone to come along whether you’re running, walking, pushing a pram or walking the dog, whatever you like.

“There’s teams and groups now as well so I encourage everyone, families, friends, even work mates to come along and have a great time,” Mr Miles said.

“The Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is an excellent, family-friendly event that caters to all ages and abilities, bringing our community together in a fun, healthy way,” he added.

“We are thrilled to continue our support for this fantastic event, which promotes wellbeing and raises money for a vital cause, while also providing another excellent incentive for visitors to stay and play in our region.

“Bonza has connected us directly to more destinations across Australia and it’s never been easier to plan a holiday here,” Mr Miles said.

All registrations in the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run will go in the draw to win one of three return Bonza flights for two to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Melbourne.  

Bonza Chief Executive Officer Tim Jordan said, “Bonza is all about connecting communities and we're happy to get behind the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run and the legends who take part in supporting such an important cause.

“The Mackay community has embraced Bonza since we launched last year and we want to give back.”

All proceeds from the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, held in the lead up to the BMA Mackay Marina Run, will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

More than $600,000 has been raised since the run began, a figure tipped to grow significantly in 2024 with a record number of participants expected.

BMA Mackay Marina Run Event Director Tim Magoffin says, “we hope to keep adding to that.”

Mr Magoffin explains his excitement for the event whilst underlining the impactful message of what the foundation aims to achieve. He emphasises the focus of the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is to have fun and get involved in the community.

“We don’t get too serious about it. The focus is only on fun and community engagement,” he said.

He expresses his gratitude to the organisations who have helped expand the charity event and has high hopes for a rapidly growing future. He claims the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run was an instrumental contributor to annual fundraising efforts.

“Thanks to the sponsorships of the organisations like Mackay Airport for their service to help raise funds.

“Currently, 53 people are diagnosed with blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, every day in Australia, and this number is anticipated to nearly double by 2035,” he said.

“Collaborative community initiatives, such as the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, help to provide vital support for anyone impacted by blood cancer.”

Participants are also invited to raise their own additional funding by setting up a page on the Mackay Marina Run site and dedicating their run to the Leukaemia Foundation.  To register for the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, visit mackaymarinarun.com and click on the ‘Events’ tab. All are encouraged to come along and support the great cause!

Caption 1: 0866 – Tim Magoffin speaking on the importance of the charity event

Caption 3: 0876 – The team of local legends, ready to take flight! Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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