Adrian Miles of Mackay Airport confirms deal with Mackay Marina Run

A record number of runners are predicted to pound the pavement for the 2023 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, with up to 800 people expected to turn out.

Mackay Marina Run Director Tim Magoffin hopes to have more numbers at this years event after last years 700 participant turnout. Picture: Mitchell Dyer

A record number of runners are predicted to pound the pavement for the 2023 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, with up to 800 people expected to turn out for the annual event in Mackay’s city heart.

After first coming aboard the event in 2018, Mackay Airport has extended its naming partnership with the Twilight City Run in conjunction with the region’s new tourism campaign.

Mackay Airport head of operations Adrian Miles announced the partnership would continue for another three years given its message of promoting “physical health and social engagement” in the community.

“Events like this as so important,” Mr Miles said.

“We see it as critical to support our community.”

Since its inception in 2018, the event has only grown and brought with it new elements such as markets, community engagement and a unique atmosphere given it begins in the twilight of the day.

This year, the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run will be held on the same night as the Mackay Regional Council City Heart Friday activation, which offers activities and late-night shopping.

With the run open to anyone at any fitness level, members of the public are encouraged to get their runners on and take part in the 5km event which also raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation and in particular those affected in the Mackay community.

Race director Tim Magoffin explained the “social event” was aimed at getting people moving and engaging the community in the lead up to the BMA Marina Run event later in the year.

“We are expecting this year’s run to be the biggest so far, with at least 800 participants and more corporate team participation than ever before,” he said.

“In 2023, the BMA Mackay Marina Run will aim to have raised more than $500,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. The Mackay Airport Twilight City Run helps to raise awareness of the charity and will be instrumental in us reaching our target.”

Mr Magoffin said it was pleasing to see funds raised from the event stay within the community.

Marina Run Director Tim Magoffin is keen for this years edition of the Twilight run and is hopeful numbers can improve after last years 700 entrant record

“It does go local for patients, it doesn’t go to the central administration in Brisbane,” he said.

The Mackay Airport Twilight City Run takes place on March 3.