Another j2 event experience

Gladstone Ports Corporation's Botanic to Bridge

Portfolio Classification	Sport Not-for-profit
Location	Gladstone
Year	j2 involved annually since 2010 (current)
Client	Gladstone Ports Corporation (owner/underwriter)
Charity Beneficiary	One local charity beneficiary selected each year. In 2013, Exodus Tutorial Centre was the beneficiary of $20,000. The 2012 fun run had two major beneficiaries: Special Olympics QLD-Gladstone Region and The Mission to Seafarers, sharing in approximately $20,000 of funds raised. Primary and secondary student registration fees go back to the nominated school and Gladstone Ports Corporation matches the registration amounts as a donation. Registering parents who nominate their child's school enable a further $5 from their entry fee to go back to the nominated school. A bonus up to $1,000 is available per school for the percentage of enrolled students registered. In 2011, $27,000 donated back to local schools and further $22,499 donated to major charity beneficiary Rosella Park Special School Inaugural event (2010) delivered over $20,000 to Tannum Sands Surf Life Saving Club
Quick Facts	4,000+ participants (North Queensland's largest participation fun run) 8km and 3km run/walk courses $20,000 in cash prizes offered in 2012; includes $2,500 each for first male and female over the line "Healthy Living Expo" (participant/community festival featuring food and entertainment experiences) held at Gladstone Marina finish location

Background

The Botanic to Bridge was initiated by Gladstone Ports Corporation in 2010 to provide a unique opportunity to not only encourage active and healthy lifestyles, but to also raise funds for local schools and the community.

J2 Services and Solutions

Event management

Course development

Management of on-course logistics and race timing

Coordinate logistics for 8km and 3km start locations, water stations and gain permission to use designated sites

Registration system development and management

Production and stage management and oversight of event from bump in through bump out

Event management and creative direction of Healthy Living Expo involving entertainment program creation, liaison with vendors, family activities, sponsor sites

Race office set up and management

Meet with police, traffic controllers and emergency services (in conjunction with sub-contracted specialists)

Coordinate placement of public notices in newspaper

Briefing of all personnel and volunteers

Work with Gladstone Ports Corporation to coordinate sponsor signage on and off course

Budget management and cost control

Risk mitigation and management

Level of Complexity

Botanic to Bridge is now the largest participation fun run in north Queensland. It is a major logistical undertaking involving road closures, on-course management, two race start sites with capacity to host 1,500 and 3,500 participants (respectively), and an entertainment event and expo at the finish location hosting a flow-through of 5,000+ participants and spectators.

Key Achievements

With j2's event direction and management the 2010 Botanic to Bridge recorded first year participation of over 4,000. The event continued growing in 2011, attracting more than 4,500 participants.