Bridge to Brisbane 2026: Running in Blue for Prostate Cancer

On Sunday, 13 September 2026, Brisbane will once again come alive with runners, walkers, families, friends and more than a few wonderfully questionable costumes for the annual Bridge to Brisbane.

This year’s event includes the RBWH Foundation Blue Run 5 km, raising awareness and support for prostate cancer research and care. Participants are encouraged to turn the course blue—whether that means blue shirts, blue socks or the increasingly popular blue skirts and tutus.

The blue skirts may attract a smile, but the message behind them is serious: men’s health deserves to be seen, discussed and supported.

Why run in blue?

Blue is widely recognised as the colour of prostate cancer awareness. Wearing blue creates a visible show of support for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, those undergoing treatment, survivors and the families who travel the journey beside them.

Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men. It can often develop without causing obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages. Community events such as the Blue Run help bring prostate health into everyday conversation and encourage men to learn about their individual risk.

The blue skirt also carries a distinctly Australian message: we can address an important issue without losing our sense of humour. If pulling on a tutu prompts one man to discuss prostate cancer with his brother, friend or doctor, it has done something worthwhile.

More than a fun run

Bridge to Brisbane enables participants to raise funds for causes that matter to them. Through the RBWH Foundation Blue Run, the community can help support prostate cancer research, clinical care and greater awareness of early detection.

Funds raised for medical research can contribute to:

• Better methods of identifying significant prostate cancer
• Improvements in surgery, radiation therapy and medical treatment
• Research into advanced and metastatic prostate cancer
• Better management of treatment-related urinary and sexual side effects
• Support for patients and their families

The Blue Run is therefore not simply about reaching the finish line. Every registration, donation and conversation can help improve the outlook for men affected by prostate cancer. Information about joining or supporting the event is available through the RBWH Foundation and the official Bridge to Brisbane website.

The health benefits of a fun run

You do not have to be an elite runner to benefit. Preparing for a 5 km or 10 km event can provide a realistic goal and a reason to exercise more consistently.

Regular walking, jogging or running may help to:

• Improve cardiovascular and lung fitness
• Assist with weight, blood pressure and blood-sugar control
• Strengthen muscles and bones
• Improve balance, mobility and physical confidence
• Reduce stress and improve sleep
• Support mood and mental wellbeing
• Maintain independence as we grow older
• Create valuable social connection

For men living with or recovering from prostate cancer, appropriately prescribed exercise can also help maintain strength, fitness and quality of life. It may be particularly valuable for men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy, which can contribute to fatigue, muscle loss, weight gain and reduced bone density.

Exercise is not a substitute for prostate cancer assessment or treatment, but it is an important part of looking after the whole person.

You may walk—it still counts

The word “run” should not frighten anyone away. Bridge to Brisbane can be approached as a run, jog, walk or a cheerful combination of all three.

A simple preparation program might begin with:

1. Three comfortable walks each week.
2. Gradually increasing the time or distance.
3. Introducing short jogging intervals if appropriate.
4. Including two weekly sessions of light strength training.
5. Allowing rest days and increasing activity gradually.

Supportive footwear, hydration and sun protection are important. Anyone with chest pain, unexplained breathlessness, dizziness, significant joint problems or an unstable medical condition should speak with their GP before commencing vigorous exercise.

Men undergoing prostate cancer treatment should seek individual guidance from their treating team or an accredited exercise physiologist.

A different kind of men’s health check

A fun run is not a prostate cancer screening test—but it can start an important conversation.

Men should discuss their prostate cancer risk and the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing with their GP, particularly if they have a father, brother or son diagnosed with the disease. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and men with a strong family history may also benefit from an earlier, individualised discussion.

A blue skirt cannot diagnose prostate cancer. It can, however, make the subject difficult to ignore.

My Bridge to Brisbane journey

For me Bridge to Brisbane is more than a single morning of exercise. I participated in the 10 km event in previous 5 years, joining thousands of Queenslanders crossing the Gateway Bridge in support of fitness, community spirit and charitable causes.

Each run has brought its own combination of early-morning nerves, Brisbane sunshine, tired legs and the satisfaction of reaching the finish line. I aim for a sub-50 min each year.

Although achieving a personal best is rewarding, I believe the greater value of the event lies in simply taking part. And for me, having my family participate with me is GOLD. Training provides a reason to remain active, while race day brings people together around important causes—including prostate cancer awareness, research and patient care.

As a urological surgeon, I have seen how prostate cancer can affect not only a man’s physical health but also his continence, sexual function, emotional wellbeing and family life. Running the 10 km course is therefore both a personal challenge and an opportunity to encourage men to pay attention to their health.

The 2026 Blue Run adds special meaning to that involvement. Wearing blue—and perhaps even a blue skirt or tutu—helps turn a private men’s health issue into a visible community conversation. The time on the clock matters, but helping another man think about his prostate health matters even more.

Crossing the bridge together

Prostate cancer affects more than the prostate. It can influence continence, sexual function, relationships, emotional wellbeing and a man’s sense of identity. It also affects partners, children, friends and caregivers.

Bridge to Brisbane reminds us that health challenges are easier to face when we do not face them alone.

So, lace up your shoes, gather your family or mates and add something blue. Walk if you wish, run if you can—and wear the blue skirt with pride.

The finish-line photograph may not be dignified, but the reason behind it certainly is.

Looking forward to seeing many Blue-Skirts!

This article provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice. Speak with your GP or urologist about prostate symptoms, PSA testing or your personal prostate cancer risk.