Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Maraka partnered Parkrun at Palm Creek. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Saturday morning saw Palm Creek Parkrun and the Ingham Maraka Festival team up for the first Maraka event on the Festival calendar.
The Parkrun Director that weekend Bridgette Duffy said they were happy to be involved with the festival
“It's a great community-based event, and that's what Parkrun's all about: celebrating community,” she said.
"We just love everybody being out here and involved. And if we can help advertise a local event, then we're happy to be involved in that.”
After Parkrun was completed, the next event of the Saturday Maraka schedule began at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic centre with aqua aerobic, a cardio box and weights session followed by a free pool party in the afternoon.
Councillor Donna Marbelli moved between each event as her role as councillor and as Donna’s Total Body Fitness, showing support to participants, cheering them on and helping them work up a sweat in her cardio class.
“The Maraka Festival is a great community event, and it's great that the community gets together and celebrates Maraka every year,” said Cr Marbelli.
“As Donna's Total Body Fitness, I’m more than happy to support and see everyone come together and enjoy the day, from right through from the run this morning, to the unmasking of the Queens tonight. It's a special day for the community.”
While last year an official Maraka ‘Run, Swim, Run’ event was held, this year saw three separate events come together to hold it in spirit.
Palm Creek Parkrun #148 – 38 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee – 19:55
Final finisher: Steven Veltmeyer – 55:20
PBs: 4 | First timers: 7
Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Donna Panzenbock, Amanda Towner, Sandra Coco, Steven Veltmeyer
Cardwell parkrun #409 – 18 participants
Fastest time: Xavier Sanchez – 25:41
Final finisher: Sheridan Jeffery – 57:05
PBs: 0 | First timers: 4
Volunteers: Anita Davina, David Clarke, Kerry Snell, Terry McDonald, Sheridan Jeffery, Xavier Sanchez
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
