The premier event of the weekend sees a small but competitive field take to the 3 x 16.7km laps of the Smurf Endurance Sports Cairns 50. It is going to be super steamy conditions, so won’t just be a battle of speed and endurance, but also of attrition.

The standout favourite in the women’s field is 2024 50k winner Akane Goode. She is no stranger to big wins, also having a podium finish at Cairns 50 in 2023 to her name. She will be hard to beat, especially with her conditioning to the heat and distance.

There is, however, a large field who will be right on her tail. And they are all so evenly matched, it is hard to pick the possible podium getters. Tracey Tree and Brittani Ruscoe come to us from Townsville and will likely give this race a good shake. Then locals Caitlin Oliver, Paige Strudwick and Suzanne Rath will no doubt be there and there abouts.

Add to this list Alison Thatcher who was an age group champion in the half marathon at the 2024 Cairns Marathon, and former ambassador Devicca Embahe who is fresh of a great race in the 30k at Noosa Ultra-Trail, both of whom can challenge for podium places.

Like in the women’s race, there is a standout favourite in the men’s – that being Robbie Savage. Although new to our humid conditions, Robbie has been consistently running low 17’s at Parkrun and has the endurance with a history in ultra running and adventure racing. Could the 50k record be pushed again this year?

But there is a strong contingent who will be on his tail including former NRL player and Ironman Nick Kenny, 2022 Cairns 50 podium getter Jarrod Ausburn, Ironman legend Jason Marino and 2024 3 Marathons 3 Days champion Brad Miller.

It won’t be easy going with many others to be right there ready to pounce including 2024 5th place finisher Kevin Durose, Tablelands teacher Joe Twidale and 2024 top 10 finisher Aran Hayes. It’s going to be close enough to throw a blanket over this men’s field!