Published 10:00am 3 October 2024

Words by Nick Crockford

Phil Hungerford, a founding member and director of coaching at Redcliffe Triathlon Club (RTC), is to have a reserve named in his honour.

A park on the corner Sylvan Beach Esp and Marine Pde - the Bribie Triathlon Series transition area - will become Phil Hungerford Place at 2pm on Saturday.

It will be a tribute to the man who has run the Bribie Tri Series – the longest running triathlon in Queensland - from the reserve since 1982.

His competitive career in runs and triathlons stretches back almost 50 years during which he also helped launch RTC in 1990 and is now a life member.

Phil's remarkable sporting resume includes co-ordinating and volunteering in countless world, international, state, regional and schools events.

The reserve on Bribie Island which will become Phil Hungerford Place on Saturday.

“This is very humbling and I appreciate it,” Phil said, “people have done a lot of work to make this happen.

“It will be nice for my grandchildren and future generations (of my family) to see people thought I did something significant for the area.

“But if I had my way, we’d have a beer and no fanfare!”

Redcliffe Triathlon Club (RTC) initiated the submission to Moreton Bay City Council to name the reserve after Phil Hungerford.

RTC President Nev Sprott described Phil is a “great asset for the club and the community of Moreton Bay region”.

Phil Hungerford preparing for the Yungaburra Triathlon in the Atherton Tablelands.

“Phil Hungerford has been an institution on Bribie through the Bribie Tri Series events, between October and February every year,” he said.

“The reserve opens up an ideal opportunity to honour this man for his contribution to local businesses, providing access for all in swimming, running, cycling and showcasing the best use of Bribie's facilities and waterways.”

Phil has been competing in events for more than 48 years, with his first marathon being in 1979 on the Gold Coast. Countless half marathons, triathlons and Ironman have followed.

He formed Race Promotions and now is director of a team responsible for numerous events across South-East Queensland and North Queensland.

They include the Rainbow Beach Double Triathlon, All Schools Tri Championships, Hervey Bay 100, Australian National Schools Tri Championships, Queensland Half Marathon, Mt Mee Classic Trail Marathon and Trail Runs, Australian Junior Invitational Triathlon, Yungaburra Triathlon (NQ) and the Criterium Relay, held on Anzac Day.

Phil Hungerford who has also been competing in runs and triathlons for almost 50 years.

For more than 30 years he has volunteered as Queensland Schools Co-ordinator and Director for Triathlon and on the Gold Coast Marathon committee.

He volunteered for the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane as Coordinator Triathlon, Marathon and Walking Events and co-ordinated marathon and walking for the World Masters Games and World Veterans Games.

Phil has co-ordinated the northern section of the Gold Coast Marathon Course and volunteered on the Bramble Bay Cross Country and Met North Cross Country.

He also volunteered for St Paul's School, Bald Hills cross country and athletics; is Past President, Founding Member and Life Member of Athletics North; a Queensland Running timekeeper and official and Run Inn Runners Club Founder, President and volunteer coach.

Charities and organisations to receive funds from events Phil has organised in this region include the Endeavour Foundation, Hear and Say Foundation, Bribie RSL and Bribie Vietnam Veterans.

Share

Related Stories

Popular Stories

Pausing to honour Diggers on Remembrance Day
News / Local

Pausing to honour Diggers on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day services have been held across the City of Moreton Bay today to honour fallen Diggers and the men and women who continue to serve our country. See our photo gallery from Redcliffe

New role for Moreton Bay Tourism boss
News / Local

New role for Moreton Bay Tourism boss

In a ‘significant milestone for the region’, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism’s CEO Natassia Wheeler has been appointed CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council. Here’s what is happening

Long history of community connection at Grace C&K
News / Education

Long history of community connection at Grace C&K

For almost 60 years, Grace Lutheran Creche and Kindergarten has been a central part of the Redcliffe Peninsula community. We take a look back at its history as it prepares to close its doors