Gold Coast Airport Marathon officially launches ahead of athletes descending on city for $15k prize

SOME of the world’s best athletes will descend on the Gold Coast in two weeks for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, which was officially launched today.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon - Kenyan runner Nicholas Manza Kamakya sets a new record for the event 2.10.01

SOME of the world’s best long distance runners will hit the pavement and battle for glory at the 36th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon in two weeks’ time.

The event was officially launched on the Gold Coast today, and has solidified its reputation as Australia’s premier marathon event after securing the prestigious designation as an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label event.

L-R Queensland marathon legend Pat Caroll, Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey and Events Management Queensland's Kerry Watson at the official launch of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon today.

One of the highlights of the men’s elite field will be the head-to-head clash between dual record holders Yuki Kawauchi from Japan and Kenya’s Nicholas Manza.

The two runners both hold the race record of 2:10:01 and will battle it out for the $15,000 first place prizemoney.

Speaking at the event’s official launch at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre today, Events Management Queensland chairman Kerry Watson said this year’s event had attracted the strongest field in its 36-year history.

“This is the only IAAF Gold Label road race in the country and has become Queensland’s reigning sports event of the year,” Mr Watson said.

“We are just three weeks away from experiencing what is sure to be one of the most historical marathons to date.”

More than 30,000 participants are expected at the event competing in the full marathon, wheelchair marathon, half marathon, wheelchair 15km, 10km run, 5.7km challenge and the junior dash races.