Gold Coast Airport Marathon expects record number of entries
Posted Wednesday, 16 April, 2008
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will celebrate 30 years on Sunday 6 July with a record number of entries expected from around the world, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh MP announced today.
Entries opened for the annual Queensland event at today's launch which was attended by the Premier, event sponsors and running luminaries including Rob de Castella and Pat Carroll.
Ms Bligh said the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was set to benefit from an increase in international participation this year.
"We're looking to eclipse last year's 16,000 plus participants, helped in part by a growth from Japan and New Zealand," said Ms Bligh.
"The event has also been sanctioned as the first ever Oceania Area Marathon and Half Marathon Championships, which not only raises the profile of the event, but means that it will be contested by athletes from up to 20 Oceania nations."
She said the event was a great injection for tourism in Queensland and also encouraged a healthy and active society.
"It's a terrific starting point for Queenslanders who want to get fit.
"There is no better way to start than on a fast, flat and scenic course with tens of thousands of spectators, roving musicians and entertainers, motivating participants all the way to the finish line."
The Premier was also presented with the first pair of commemorative 30th year Gold Coast Airport Marathon ASICS running shoes.
"It is tremendous recognition that a global brand like ASICS has decided to commemorate the 30th Gold Coast Airport Marathon with its own shoe," said Ms Bligh.
"The shoe looks great with the distinctive blue and gold, and I'm sure we'll see thousands of pairs of them pounding the pavement on the first Sunday in July."
Gold Coast Airport Marathon Chairman Kerry Watson said a number of initiatives were set to take the event to the next level in 2008.
“We are pleased to offer the largest prizemoney pool of any accredited marathon event in Australia totalling $49,000, plus a new $10,000 bonus if the male winner runs under 2 hours 10 minutes and the female winner runs under 2 hours 30 minutes,” said Mr Watson.
“Another first for any marathon in Australia is the introduction of 5km split times in the full marathon live on our website, enabling family and friends of runners to monitor their progress through the race.”
Gold Coast Airport Chairman Jim Tolhurst said the growth of the Airport since its sponsorship commenced six years ago and the $100 million terminal expansion scheduled to begin later this year would enable the marathon to continue attracting more domestic and international visitors.
"The runway extension opened in mid 2007 has provided a gateway for direct flights to and from key markets, including Japan, New Zealand and Asia," said Mr Tolhurst.
"We will, for the second year in a row welcome a direct, intercontinental flight from Japan carrying a plane load of enthusiastic runners making the journey specifically to compete in the 2008 Gold Coast Airport Marathon."
Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke MBE said he has seen the event grow from 124 runners in 1979 to being a massive tourism-generating event on the Gold Coast.
"It is the largest community sporting event held each year on the Gold Coast, and a great showcase for event tourism," said Cr Clarke.
"Runners and walkers can enjoy one of the most picturesque courses in the world. Add an extraordinary level of community involvement, fabulous weather and a great family atmosphere, and the result is an outstanding event that not only is a lot of fun, but one that also brings a huge benefit to our local economy."
The 2008 Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 6 July will feature an event for everyone - Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 7.5K Walk and Junior Dash.
The official charities are Diabetes Australia - Queensland, and The Cancer Council - Queensland.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is organised by Queensland Events Gold Coast which is a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government through Queensland Events Corporation.
People can enter the Gold Coast Airport Marathon from today at www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
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