History

In 1991, Liz Hepple a world champion triathlete and cyclist, working for the Department of Sport, Tourism and Racing, was enthusiastic about the State government's decision to embrace the political correctness of International Women's Day. While being an active runner, she engaged with the president of the Queensland Marathon Road Runner's Club (now known as the Brisbane Road Runners Club), Norm Walker to start an event that celebrated International Women's Day.

In 1992, the event was born with the support of the Department of Sport, Tourism and Racing for all marketing and printing aspects, while the QMRRC organised all event day logistics and course management.

On the event days, the QMRRC men gave up their Sunday runs and supported the International Women's Day Fun Run by starting up the iconic drink stations and organised the event day operations while the women participated in the event! While there was a small uproar at the thought of men organising a women's event in the early years, the men have been a great support over the years to provide a memorable event for the women.

Since 1991, the participant numbers have increased significantly with a participation rate of 7,000+ women participating in the 2012 event. The number of participants outgrew the first course starting at Davies Park and working its way through the old Botanical Gardens to moving to the iconic South Bank and working its way through the Botanical Gardens.

After the 1993 event, the Department of Sport, Tourism and Racing gave the viable event over to the Queensland Marathon Road Runners Club officially.

Sponsors over the years have included GIO Insurance, Adidas, MBF, FILA, RACQ Insurance, News Limited and the ongoing support from the Queensland Government.

Event Participant T-Shirts over the years:

1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
2008	2009	2010	2011	2012

     Special thank you to Diana Southern for participating in all IWDFR events!

Event Countdown

Sunday, 9 March 2014