About The Cane2Coral

The Cane2Coral has grown from an idea in 2010, that was proposed by a couple of local businessmen, into an event that is highly regarded within the region and the state.  The initial discussion developed into a proposal that was taken to a number of local organisations with requests for sponsorship.

The Friendly Society Private Hospital quickly became the first major sponsor for the first 8 years.  Bundaberg Sugar and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks were also keen inaugural sponsors.  McDonalds joined the major sponsor list in 2011.

Many foot races are inspired by the local geography to create a theme such as Sydney’s City to Surf, San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers and Brisbane’s Bridge to Brisbane.  As the centre of Bundaberg is located 15kms from the coast the perfect distance was immediately obvious.

The course would go from a city landscape, through the cane fields and finish at the beach – therefore Cane to Coral.  It was felt that a shorter course would encourage greater participation and so an 8km start was incorporated.  The course has had a few changes over the years.

2023 will see the return of some very popular distances from past events.  The distances will be 21.1k, 15k, 8k, 4k and 2k.

The addition of the 2km is to make our event even more inclusive, especially for those who cannot complete the longer distances, but would still like to participate for fun and raise money for their chosen charity/cause.

Recreational runners are the target of the Cane2Coral.  The event has entered the hearts, minds and bodies of the people of Bundaberg and the Wide Bay/Burnett region.  It generates enormous community spirit and health benefits that cannot be measured simply by the number of people participating on the day.

We are pleased to say that there has been significant and very positive feedback from organisations, gyms and businesses, that the Cane2Coral has become a focal point and catalyst for transformation of many people’s daily health routines.

We are proud to announce that the Cane2Coral has to date, with the support of sponsors, the attendance of participants, our volunteers, the public, and the organising committee distributed a whopping grand total of $530,562.00 back to the community.  An additional $47,224.00 has been raised through our participants via the GoFundraise page between 2013-2019 bringing the overall total to $577,786.00!

October 2020, A new era begins!  The Cane2Coral Classic Organisation is pleased to announce that the Apex Club of Bundaberg Inc will be taking over the management of the Fun Run.  The Apex Club of Bundaberg Inc thanked the outgoing committee for their tireless efforts to organise and run such a successful event for the local community.

Sadly Covid-19 and the related restrictions had been a major contributing factor as to why the event was not able to be held over the past few years, other similar events had faced the same challenges, and we were certainly not immune to them.

2019 marked the 10th year anniversary for the Cane2Coral Fun Run Event.  The Cane2Coral is now a feature on the Wide Bay Regions calendar as well as many other race calendars throughout Australia.

2018 we were pleased to announce that Bundaberg Sugar stepped up to be the Platinum Naming Sponsor position.  Bundaberg Sugar has always fully embraced the event by not only being a sponsor, but by also entering the largest team with 165 team members in 2017!

2016 Knauf came on board as a Gold Sponsor to support the local Community.

2013 marked another step forward in the development of the Friendlies Cane2Coral with the addition of the 21.1km half marathon and 4km courses.  The half marathon is the fastest growing recreational race distance in the world, and we wanted to make sure we could offer the serious runner the serious course distance. 

The 4km distance is to encourage more kids and those who felt 8kms was too far.  Once they try we are sure they’ll want to go on to the longer distances in the future years.

In 2013 fundraising was incorporated as an option for individuals and teams.    Everyone who entered could then Run for FUNds and help not just their health, but also their community.

The event has had the support of local council, with the Bundaberg Regional Council becoming a Gold Sponsor in 2012, and the state government with sponsorship of the events in 2012 and then a significant grant through the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund in 2013.

An event of this scale cannot be held without considerable support from our sponsors, other organisations/businesses/contractors, and lastly our huge army of volunteers.  As always, we are very grateful and thankful for their support.

Please visit our sponsors page, and please consider showing your support and appreciation of our sponsors either by way of a purchase, or by sharing their website or social media to your friends/family and/or associates.  If you are a business looking to sponsor our event, please get in contact with our team by clicking here for our sponsor’s page.

If you can’t participate in the race, please consider volunteering your time to help before or on race day.  Please click here to access our volunteer contact form.

Event Organisers