GC50 Partnership Community 5K for Health - Southern Cross University

Published: 21 August 2026

Supporting healthier communities through education, engagement and active living is at the heart of a new partnership between Southern Cross University and the fisiocrem GC50 Run Festival.

As naming rights sponsor of the Southern Cross University Community 5K, the University is encouraging staff, students, alumni and the wider Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales community to come together for an event that celebrates movement and shared experiences.

Professor Fiona Naumann, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University, said the partnership reflects the University's commitment to helping people build healthier lives.

"The partnership with GC50 is really exciting because it's an extension of what we do here within the Faculty of Health," said Professor Naumann.

Professor Naumann said the Community 5K offers a simple and achievable way for people to take part in physical activity.

"I think 5K does allow people to have a go and then decide if that's the start of something more."

Staff, students and alumni can participate as Team SCU, with access to a special registration discount and opportunities to connect through the University's Community Run Club.

The announcement comes as community running continues to grow in popularity across Australia. The Gold Coast, recognised as the birthplace of parkrun in Australia, has developed a strong culture of participation in community running events. Since launching at Main Beach in 2011 with 115 participants, parkrun has grown to more than one million walkers, runners and volunteers across more than 500 locations nationwide.

A group of runners at race starting line

GC50 Run Festival Event Manager Adam Goodger said the partnership was a natural fit.

"The 5-kilometre event has always been one of the most popular and welcoming events on our program, and partnering with Southern Cross University to bring it to the community made perfect sense.

"Southern Cross University is such an important part of our region, and we're excited to work with an organisation that shares our belief in bringing people together and creating opportunities for everyone to get involved."

Starting at 5pm, the Southern Cross University Community 5K will wind through the southern Gold Coast's iconic coastal setting before finishing in a vibrant twilight festival atmosphere featuring live music and food trucks.

Professor Naumann has issued a friendly challenge to students, alumni and staff across the University ahead of race day.

"Can you be the first Team SCU participant across the line, and can you beat the Faculty of Health?"

Will you accept the challenge?

The Southern Cross University Community 5K will be held on Saturday 10 October 2026 as part of the fisiocrem GC50 Run Festival weekend on the Southern Gold Coast.