More than 200 people and their pets took part in The University of Queensland Gatton’s Country Campus Challenge recently.
The UQ Gatton community walked, ran or rode 5km and 10km courses on Mental Health Day with all proceeds donated to Beyond Blue.
Dogs from the Adopt-a-Pet program run by the Clinical Studies Centre took part along with volunteer dog walkers.
UQ Gatton student Kiersten Jones is a volunteer dog walker and she took part in the event with the dog Plank.
“It was a great event and the dogs loved it. It gave them a good opportunity to socialise with other dogs and people,” Ms Jones said.
“I’ve been a volunteer in the Clinical Studies Centre dog-walking program since the mid-semester break. I really enjoy it, it’s beneficial for both of us. The dog gets enrichment and I get exercise and time to spend with the dog," she said.
“The most satisfying part of the job is seeing the dogs go to a good, loving home.
“It was really fitting to hold this event during Mental Health Week as I find dogs to be a great source of pet therapy. I’ve bonded with each of the dogs and I really enjoy getting to know each of them."
Dogs and cats can be adopted from the Clinical Studies Centre, more information is available online at http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/adopt-a-pet
Country Campus Challenge Results:
Cycling Division 5km
1st Place – Peter Beck
2nd Place – Brian Tan
3rd Place – Bec McMillan
Cycling Division 10km
1st Place – Angus Fisk (17:42)
2nd Place – Luke Cadwallader (20:10)
3rd Place – Matthew Colbourne (24:50)
Women 5km Run
1st Place – Georgie Inwood (21:12)
2nd Place – Gemma O’Reily (23:10)
3rd Place – Laura Martin (24:45)
Men 5km Run
1st Place – Jeremy Lim (20:20)
2nd Place – Fraser Brown (20:38
3rd Place – Gene Stanton (21:50)
Women 10km Run
1st Place – Sasha Laws-King (48:52)
2nd Place – Vetti Fawcett (49:29)
3rd Place – Kaila Ridgeway (50:25)
Men 10km Run
1st Place – Schalk Willem Botma (Skip) (39:10)
2nd Place – Walter Tsang (47:56)
3rd Place – Matt Basa (49:00)
The event is supported by UQ Sport, Red Frogs, Halls of Residence Residents Club and Office of the Director Gatton Campus.
To view the photographs taken by Loren Jarvis follow the UQ Gatton Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/uqgatton
