13 October 2011

More than 150 University of Queensland staff and students, and community members have shown their support for World Rabies Day at the University’s recent Country Campus Challenge.

Now in its second year, the event includes a 5km walk, run or ride circuit on the UQ Gatton campus.

Veterinary science student Sasha Laws-King defended her title again this year winning first place in the women’s division with a time of 23 minutes and 49 seconds.

“As a veterinarian student it meant a lot to me to run and support World Rabies Day,” Ms Laws-King said.

“It is such an important cause and anything we can do to prevent this disease making animals sick is worthwhile,” she said.

“The atmosphere of the run was great too, because there were more people than last year, which really added to the event.

“I ended up taking off more than a minute off last year’s time, so that will be a good incentive to keep training for next year’s run. I’m looking forward to it already.”

Second place for the women’s division was Caitlin Dore followed by Laura Martin.

First place in the men’s division was Jeremy Lim with a time of 18 minutes and 36 seconds, followed by Schalk Botma in second place and Max Barot in third place. First place out of the cyclists was Angus Fisk with a time of 8 minutes and 50 seconds, second place Jake Ward followed by Emily Barby.

Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss opened the event for the second year in a row.

The event is supported by Vets Beyond Borders, Hill's and UQ Sport with the proceeds going towards World Rabies Day.

To view the photographs taken on the day by David Innes, like the UQ Gatton page on Facebook www.facebook.com/uqgatton.

Media: Erin Pearl (UQ Gatton Marketing and Communications; 07 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au)