This week marks the 20 week countdown until this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon (30 June - 1 July) as runners right around the Gold Coast and the world ramp up their training. Some key news marks this occasion:
- Southern Cross University announced as naming rights sponsor for the 10km Run.
- 20-week training diaries now available from www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
- Team entries now open at www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au - Individual entries open 12 March.
Southern Cross University 10km Run sponsorship a marathon winner
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh today announced Southern Cross University will sponsor the 10km Run at the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon continuing its long-term partnership of one of Queensland's most heralded major events.
"Southern Cross University has been a great partner of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, sponsoring the 10km Run since 2008," said Ms Bligh.
"The Southern Cross University 10km Run is a growing event on the marathon's weekend program attracting almost 6,000 runners in 2011 out of the 25,000 that took part over the whole weekend.
"It provides an achievable goal for many people in the community who may be starting a training program, those who one day would like to progress to the marathon or for those who just prefer the shorter distances.
"Events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon attract visitors from all over, giving a boost to the local economy, supporting businesses and jobs.
"I thank Southern Cross University for their continued support of this race as part of its continued investment in the Gold Coast's future.
"It is particularly pleasing to announce Southern Cross University as sponsor following the recent news that Gold Coast Airport has also extended its naming rights sponsorship of the marathon for another three years."
Christine Smith, Member for Burleigh said "Southern Cross University has become a respected institution on the southern Gold Coast. Its students are an important part of our community and I congratulate the University on its continuing commitment to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon."
The Southern Cross University 10km Run will be a feature race on the Saturday (30 June) program of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the University was delighted to continue its support of this major event.
"The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a wonderful event, drawing participants from across Australia and the world," he said.
"Since opening our new campus at Coolangatta in 2012, we have developed strong links with community, business and industry organisations and look forward to building on those relationships.
"Of course our staff and students also get behind the event and I’m expecting a great turn-out this year."
Events Queensland Gold Coast Chairman Kerry Watson said Southern Cross University was a proactive partner of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
"The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has a great record of securing major sponsors and keeping them over a long term and Southern Cross University is a shining example of this," said Mr Watson.
"Southern Cross University really gets involved in the event from planning right through to participation. Last year Southern Cross University entered a team of 77 staff and students and is aiming to recruit even more this year."
This week team entries opened for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon with Southern Cross University the first to register. Team entries are open for any corporate, fitness or social group that believe they can recruit more than 20 runners to take part across any of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon races.
On hand today to provide some tips to team members was Gold Coast Airport Marathon ambassador and five-time Southern Cross 10km Run winner and race record holder Michael Shelley.
"It is important for events to have a strong suite of sponsors on board and I really appreciate Southern Cross University's contribution to all the runners in the 10km Run," said Shelley.
"I've been fortunate enough to win the race five times and I hope the Southern Cross University 10km Run can attract another record field this year."
Races at this year's event to be held on 30 June - 1 July include the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Queensland Health 5km Challenge and the 4km and 2km Junior Dash.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is owned and managed by Events Queensland Gold Coast, a subsidiary of Events Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a finalist in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held on 2 March. Visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
End of release
For further information contact:
Stephen Lock, Marketing & Communications Manager, Events Queensland Gold Coast
Phone: (07) 5668 9888, Mobile: 0408 124 694
Steve Spinks, Media Officer, Southern Cross University
Phone: (07) 5589 3024, Mobile: 0417 288 794
