Sport
25 July, 2025
Top class athletics on show
MORE than 350 North Queensland athletes will compete at Barlow Park this weekend, as part of a crowd of over 500 participants and supporters gathering for the 2025 Coral Coast Track and Field Carnival.
Now in its 30th year, the event is a major fixture on the Queensland Athletics calendar, drawing competitors as young as four, through to seasoned master athletes, with all the classic track and field events on offer.
Athletes from Mackay, Townsville, Port Douglas, Tablelands, Normanton and regional centres as far as Victoria and New South Wales will take part, with over 30 events scheduled and World Athletics Meet status up for grabs.
Among those vying for world-stage qualification is five-time Australian champion Emma Berg, who will compete in the open women’s shot put as she works to secure her spot at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Also confirmed is Connor ‘CJ’ Wilson, a former U16 national shot put champion from regional Victoria, who will compete in the U18 5kg shot put.
The Mathoura athlete, now representing South Bendigo, is using the meet as a warm-season opener ahead of his competition calendar.
A standout event this year is the 300m ‘dash for cash’, a rare sprint spectacle offering $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third in both the men’s and women’s races.
Also returning is the crowd-favourite 100m handicap final, where athletes start at staggered intervals based on performance, a format known for its dramatic finishes.
Cairns Athletics Club said the event remained committed to inclusion and performance, with para events and prize money races ensuring opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Spectators can also grab a caffeine fix from Havana Coffee Cartel, who will be on-site Saturday to keep the energy high.
The Coral Coast Carnival runs Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27 at Barlow Park.
