Albert Park in Suva was abuzz with activity yesterday for the ninth edition of the Frank Hilton Amazing Wheelbarrow Race, also known as the Bara Battle.
There were 24 teams that took part in the race, which took place on Constitution Avenue, Gladstone Road, Ratu Cakobau Road and part of Victoria Parade.
The president of the Frank Hilton Organisation, Ritesh Dass, said the event had grown from strength to strength over the years and the unity present within it had contributed to its success.
“Today is not just about competition though. It is about togetherness, about team spirit, about friendly rivalry and about the joy of giving,” Dass told participants after the race.
“We will celebrate winners at the finish line, which has happened, but in truth, every single one of you today participating, is here as a winner.”
The race, which was first run in 2016, is a three-round relay race around Albert Park that is an annual fundraising event organised by the Frank Hilton Organisation to support children with disabilities in Fiji.
Corporate houses from various sectors took part in the race which was run as a relay race or in a race-walking format.
Dass had stressed how important the event had become over the years.
“It has now become really symbolic to the people in Suva and above all, it’s about the impact that this race really creates.”
He shared the race had raised more than a million dollars since it first began in 2016.
“That figure is impressive on paper but what is more inspiring is what it represents – thousands of lives touched, countless children given hope, opportunities created, and families empowered,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fortech Construction Pte Ltd finished in 1st place to claim the winning runners shield.
