Gold Coast Airport Marathon - Queensland, Australia
Embrace the next great step in your running experience – July 6, 2008

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By Lin Molloy
Posted Monday, 26 November, 2007

Are you looking for the perfect location to combine your love of running with a family vacation? Then read on. July in the USA can be hot, steamy and not much fun for running, especially for 26.2 miles. Here in Australia it is our winter, and on the Queensland Gold Coast the average temperature is somewhere around 70 degrees F. Where else could you find miles of surf, beaches and Broadwater, lush green rainforest, world-class golf courses, world-famous theme parks, and still reach your goal in your favorite running event. Here in sunny Queensland there are limitless leisure activities, fantastic weather, accommodations to suit all budgets and a great choice of restaurants and bars. You can visit one of the many wildlife parks; cuddle a koala, or witness, with envy, the speed and grace of our kangaroos. But best of all, you get to experience a magnificent marathon.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon was instigated by the Rotary Club of Surfers’ Paradise in 1978. Thirty years later it has grown into one of the world’s leading marathons, and Australia’s number one marathon. It is also the largest community sporting event on the Gold Coast. Highly acclaimed for its superb organization, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is nationally accredited by Athletics Australia and internationally by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Australia’s Gold Coast is a magical place, with loads of sunshine, cool breezes and the blue of the Pacific Ocean. Sound like the perfect place for a run? With an overall participation of 16,000, it is no secret that this is a ‘must do’ event to put on your running calendar. The scenic beauty of the area, the friendliness and superb organization draws runners back each year for another dose of Gold Coast hospitality.

John Wishart, 64, Sunshine Coast, Australia, has completed the highest number of Gold Coast Marathons (28): I have kept coming back to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon because the event is always well organised. On a sunny morning the section between Main Beach, Southport and Surfers Paradise is stunning and makes me feel glad to be alive and healthy. With three kilometres to go it is so great to see the finish area ahead by the Broadwater.

This is the perfect marathon to aim for a personal best. Pacers will be there to encourage you along the way and make sure that you are on pace for your time goal. You may well be sharing the course with one of Australia’s running legends. In 2007 Steve Moneghetti was there to guide runners aiming to run a 3-hour marathon. How often do you get to run with a 4-time Olympian?

Steve Moneghetti is not only a four-time Olympian, he is Australia’s second fastest ever marathon runner ever, and Commonwealth Games gold medallist: “The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is such a well run and professionally organised event. It is on a flat and fast course alongside one of the world s great coastlines, and the atmosphere out on the course and at the finish complete the package for a truly wonderful experience.”

The start and finish of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon are both in Southport, which sits alongside the vast waterway of the magnificent Broadwater, sparkling Pacific Ocean and golden beaches. The Pacific Ocean sunrise is one that you won’t forget in a hurry. The course is one of the most picturesque in the world.

On race day, participants will be spurred on by the thousands of cheering spectators, many dressed up in costume, and the live musical entertainment at regular locations around the course. At the finish Area, the race commentators will call the action as everyone crosses the finish line accompanied by the most popular motivational music. Then it will be time for you to relax and enjoy the entertainment and presentations on the main stage.

If you are now thinking that you are ready to book your vacation for 2008 but can’t quite go the 26.2 mile distance, no worries! There is a race distance to suit everyone. The whole running family has been considered so that no one is left just ‘hanging around’ on race day. You can choose one of the following events:

Half Marathon (21.097k/13.1 miles). This has the same scenic beauty as the marathon, and is also fast and flat. Pacers will help you achieve your half-marathon goal and maybe next year you’ll be aiming for 26.2!

10k (6.2 miles).

7.5k Walk (4.66 Miles)

The kids are catered for as well:

4k Junior Dash (2.48 miles) (5-10 years)

2.25k Junior Dash (1.39 miles) (5-14 years)

All events are for every level of runners, from elite to fun-runners; and all finishers receive a commemorative medallion and shirt, with many other rewards also provided in each event.

There is plenty of time for leisure activities before race day. Two very popular events are the Asics Sport & Leisure Expo and the Legends Motivational Carbo Lunch. From Friday to Sunday, a variety of exhibitors showcase the latest in sports apparel, products, services and events at the Asics Sport & Leisure Expo. For some handy tips from running legends and a sumptuous pasta meal, the Legends Motivational Carbo Lunch on the Saturday is a must for all participants.

By now you should be thoroughly convinced that this is the perfect July marathon and vacation for you and your family. To plan and book your trip here are some suggested preferred travel agents:

Flight Centre Active - www.flightcentreactive.com
Kathy Loper Events - www.kathyloperevents.com
Amazing Running Tours - www.amazingrunningtours.com
Marathon Tours - www.marathontour.com

Still not convinced? Here are comments from some of the many satisfied runners that may change your mind.

Seow Kong Ng, Shanghai: "The Gold Coast Airport Marathon was my 37th marathon. I was very impressed with the smooth organisation of the event, the beautiful course, good support system and Aid Stations. Although it was sunny, it was not too humid The pace runners were very helpful to get you to run to your time goal. This marathon is as good as any other big city marathon that I have run before, and great for a family vacation as well."

Kirsty Rodd, 31, Gold Coast: After embracing the next step in 2007 and completing my first half marathon, I am still buzzing from my achievement. I will have to celebrate the 30th Anniversary by attempting the marathon - Bring on the first Sunday in July!

Rod Dowse, 59, Sydney: “The Gold Coast Half Marathon is my favourite event. The course is flat, fast and the run along the ocean is like nowhere else in the world. I missed the 2007 event through injury and can’t wait to get back there again in July 2008. It is a really well organized event with loads of entertainment and spectator support on course to make the miles fly by.”

Start planning now for The Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Sunday July 6, 2008 and Embrace the Next Step for the running experience of a lifetime.

Event web site - www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

Related info:
Event Web site

Event Registration

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