Last weekend, a group of resilient ultra-athletes embarked on a remarkable journey, conquering 250 kilometres of rugged terrain in the annual 'Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey' event. This inspiring endeavour pays tribute to the late Tony Britton, a beloved figure in the community and a passionate advocate for youth development.
Tony Britton, who was named Citizen of the Year in 2014, dedicated over four decades to mentoring young individuals and fostering community bonds. His life was tragically cut short by Mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In his honour, his son Mat initiated 'Trail To Triumph,' an annual event aimed at commemorating his father's legacy while raising funds and awareness for Mesothelioma.
The gruelling three-day journey began in Moranbah and culminated in Mackay via the challenging Eungella region. Runners faced daunting elevation changes and varying terrains throughout the course, making it a true test of endurance.
Day 1 covered an impressive 112.7 kilometres, including segments from Moranbah to Redhill Road, followed by Pipeline Road stretches. Day 2 proved equally demanding, with participants covering 80.3 kilometres from Lizzie Creek Road to Mackay – Eungella Road, passing through picturesque locations like Eungella Township and Finch Hatton. The final leg on Day 3 encompassed 52.7 kilometres from Gargett, concluding at the Bluewater Trail in Mackay.
A select group of determined runners successfully completed the entire 250-kilometre journey, including Jen Lewis, Kyle McLennan, Anthony Gordon, Anthony McDonald, Steve Kozlowski, Sam Ford, Scott Martin, and Stuart Steele. Joining the full-time pack were sponsors and supporters who ran legs of varying distance depending on ability to support the ultra-marathon runners.
For those unable to join the ultra-marathon, a virtual run was also available, allowing participants to contribute from the comfort of their own surroundings. The 'TTT VR challenge' encouraged individuals to set their own goals and accumulate kilometres during the event weekend of October 6-8, 2023.
'Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey' continues to inspire the community while raising vital awareness and support for Mesothelioma research and advocacy. Since 2014, more than $430,000 has been raised in the honour of the late Mr Britton.
Jen Lewis, Kyle McLennan, Anthony Gordon, Anthony McDonald, Steve Kozlowski, Sam Ford, Scott Martin, and Stuart Steele completed the 250km journey. Photo credit: Trail to Triumph Facebook page
Vision from the 2023 Trail to Triumph ultra-marathon
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