Day one of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was a huge success with clear skies, enthusiastic cheer and record-breaking entrants

IT’S only day one of the 36th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon and the event has already smashed a national record with its entry figures.

IT’S only day one of the 36th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon and the event has already smashed a national record with its entry figures.

All four events held today recorded higher entries that last year, but it was the junior 2km dash that stood out.

GOLD COAST MARATHON ROAD CLOSURES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOLD COAST MARATHON

SATURDAY MARATHON LIVE BLOG FOR ALL THE ACTION AND RESULTS

GOLD COAST AIRPORT MARATHON RACE ACTION

The race, which included runners as young as five, smashed a national record with 1087 participants.

Former champion runner Rob de Castella told crowds at the Broadwater Parklands that it was inspiring to see the Gold Coast’s premier event leading the way with active and healthy activities for children.

“There are so many problems with child obesity and a lack of exercise in this country it is great to see the number of runners,” he said.

“When I first started out there was nothing like this for the younger runners, I think it will definitely breed more Australian champs.”

Start of the 10km run at the first day of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Photo by Richard Gosling

Thousands of runners and spectators braved the cold morning temperatures to tackle the 10km Southern Cross University run, the 5.7km Suncorp challenge and the 2 and 4km junior dashes.

The day started cool with rain, but quickly rose to 17C by 7am with clear blue skies as far as the eye could see.

More than 5000 competitors finished the Southern Cross University 10km Run which Mitchel Brown won in just 30:01mns.

Participants before the start of the Southern Cross University 10km run. Picture: Regi Varghese

The first female over the finish line was Bridey Delaney in 33:52mns.

Some kids as young as nine faked their ages to run the race which was only open to children over 12 years old.

Shortly after, more than 3000 people started the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge.

Jordan McLennan was the first to finish in 18:20mns and Courtney Chamberlain in 20:26mns.

It took up to an hour for some to finish the race course but everyone who crossed the line was beaming with pride — even celebrating with selfies.

Mitchell Brown winning the 10km race. Photo by Richard Gosling

Youngsters also got a chance to stretch their legs in the 2km Junior Dash which was won by Harrison Turner in 6:55mns.

Imogen Stewart impressed the crowds by beating most of the boys in an amazing time of 07:06mns.

Joel Lonsdale, 14, was happy to win the 4km Junior Dash which he confidently won in 13:15mns.

“I was doing triathlons but a year ago I decided to just do running,” the young local said, still puffed from his run.

“It would have been good to break the 13 minutes but I was happy.

“It’s amazing coming down the last lane.”

A few seconds behind him, Katrina Robinson was the first girl to finish in 13:47mns.

“Crossing the line is the best part,” said the 13-year-old from Brisbane.

“It was really hard; I tried to stick with the boys.”

Meanwhile family and friends cheered from the side, encouraging everyone who was having a go.

Ryan Hooper got lost during his junior race but nothing was going to stop him from finishing — not even police.

“He started crying when I told him he couldn’t finish,” said Sergeant Rondalee Taylor.

“He came all the way from Brisbane so we ran with him to the finish line.”

Gold Coast Airport Marathon Melanie Panayiotou warming up. Photo by Richard Gosling

Southern Cross University 10km Run:

Mitchel Brown 30:01

Bridey Delaney 33:52

Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge:

Jordan McLennan 18:20

Courtney Chamberlain 20:26

2km Junior Dash:

Harrison Turner 6:55

Imogen Stewart 07:06

4km Junior Dash:

Joel Lonsdale 13:15

Katrina Robinson 13:47