He has spent his career refereeing some of the world’s biggest football matches, but Chris Beath is about to take on his toughest challenge yet – running 100 kilometres from the Gold Coast to Cleveland in a day to raise funds for cancer research in honour of his beloved late mum.
The south-east Queenslander only recently retired as an international professional football referee after officiating at tournaments at the highest level of the sport, including the FIFA World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal match.
Privately, though, Chris and his family were supporting their adored mother as she bravely battled various forms of cancer.
Karen Beath, who was affectionately known as “Kaz”, passed away in July.
Inspired by his mum’s incredible courage, determination and resilience during her three-year fight, Chris will run 100 kilometres from her favourite beach, Tugun, to his home town of Cleveland on Saturday, November 18 to raise vital funds for cancer research at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
Chris won’t be alone in this gruelling 12-hour ultramarathon. His close childhood friend and ironman, Sean Richardson, will be running with him, while his brother, Nat, will be cycling alongside.
Chris has called the event “Karen’s Ultra Marathon” and he is appealing to the community to support cancer research by visiting the Karen’s Ultra Marathon website or Chris’s QIMR Berghofer fundraising page to learn more and make a donation.
“We are running to celebrate my mother’s life, her impact and her unwavering spirit,” Chris said. “Mum was a remarkable woman who fought cancer with grace and dignity. Her legacy continues to inspire her family and friends, and her memory will live on for generations to come.
“By running this ultra marathon, we aim to raise funds for QIMR Berghofer cancer research to support the ongoing battle against this relentless disease.”
