Transurban Bridge to Brisbane

Events Management Queensland adds Transurban Bridge to Brisbane to growing portfolio

Events Management Queensland (EMQ) has added another marquee event to its growing portfolio after formalising an agreement to take over the running of the annual Transurban Bridge to Brisbane.

Queensland’s largest fun run has been a feature of the calendar since it was created by Queensland Newspapers’ The Sunday Mail in 1997. It will find a new home for the 2026 event onwards.

It adds to EMQ’s growing portfolio of internationally renowned events which already includes the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Pan Pacific Masters Games, the Gold Coast T100 Triathlon and the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Running Festival.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said EMQ’s takeover of the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane is about building on what is already a successful event and elevating it ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“EMQ’s proven expertise delivering world class events such as the Gold Coast Marathon will help grow Bridge to Brisbane’s profile in the international running calendar,” he said.

“This exciting move will help cement Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s leading events destination and support the state in paving the green and gold runway toward Brisbane 2032. It’s another step towards showcasing our state on the global stage as we look ahead to the Games.

“Queensland is a place where community spirit and world-class experiences go hand in hand. By welcoming Bridge to Brisbane into EMQ’s portfolio, we’re ensuring this much-loved event continues to grow, inspire, and deliver for Queenslanders and visitors alike.”

EMQ CEO Ben Mannion said the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane was a welcomed addition to the organisation’s major event portfolio that showcases Queensland’s destination, event management capabilities and commitment to delivering world class events.

“EMQ has successfully delivered and expanded major events including the Gold Coast Marathon for many years so it makes perfect sense to utilise that experience to help grow the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane,” said Mannion.

“Taking on additional events also allows us to expand the EMQ footprint from a resources perspective, so we are in turn better prepared to deliver internationally renowned events all year round.

“With the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Pan Pacific Masters Games, Gold Coast T100 Triathlon and Toowoomba Running Festival already delivering around $120 million in economic impact for Queensland each year, we are excited to add the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane to that list.”

News Corp Australia’s Queensland managing director Laura Maxwell said the future was bright for the iconic event The Sunday Mail built from scratch almost 30 years ago.

“We are confident Bridge to Brisbane will remain a source of great pride for Queensland and a premium event on our calendar, raising much-needed funds for communities across our state,” Ms Maxwell said.

“As Queensland heads to its place on the global stage as host of the 2032 Olympics we will work closely with EMQ to continue to champion Brisbane as one of the world’s best destinations.”

Ms Maxwell said the event had become one of the city’s great community events, having raised more than $14 million from more than 733,000 participants since it started in 1997.

“The continued success of Bridge to Brisbane means we are handing it over in absolute prime condition, with an appetite for growth that is stronger-than-ever.”

EMQ produces high profile, mass participation sporting events that maximise economic impact, social inclusion and community pride to areas across Queensland.