Gold Coast Marathon so popular organisers increase capacity by extra 1500 runners

A huge surge in popularity for this year’s Gold Coast Marathon has prompted race organisers to increase capacity of the event to meet growing demand.

A HUGE surge in popularity for this year’s Gold Coast Marathon has prompted race organisers to increase capacity of the event to meet growing demand.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today will announce this year’s event, from July 6-7, will see a diversion to the marathon route allowing for an extra 1500 runners to compete, bringing total marathon entries available to 8000 runners.

A 2.2km section of the course will be modified in the Mermaid Beach area which will see the course take a turn south onto the Gold Coast Highway enabling runners to head north on Hedges Avenue without oncoming competitors.

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Gabriela Villavicencio training on the beach to run the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Jones said extra entries would be a boon for the local economy and reinforced the Coast’s status as a premier sporting and holiday destination.

“Growing the Gold Coast’s major events industry is a marathon, not a sprint,” she said.

“Over a long period, we’ve grown the Gold Coast Marathon to be one of the most sought-after on the planet.

“Major events like the marathon are crucial when it comes to growing our tourism sector.

“Athletes bring their families and want to have a holiday on the Gold Coast — that’s why growing this event just makes economic sense.”

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An extra 1500 can compete this year. Picture Glenn Hampson

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the Marathon had “grown from strength to strength” under the government’s stewardship.

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“Last year we saw 60,000 total people generate more than 100,000 visitor nights and more than $28 million for the local economy. This event is a great boon for the Gold Coast’s tourism industry,” Ms Scanlon said.

“We’re committed to growing these numbers because we know strong visitor numbers support local jobs.”

Ms Scanlon said entries this year already had shown a strong increases from key international markets including Indonesia and Singapore by 37 per cent and 30 per cent.

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Dylan Nicholson promises to run the whole Gold Coast marathon in just budgie smugglers if he raises $5000 for mental health. Picture: Jerad Williams

Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart said the small change in course would benefit participants and oast residents.

“By diverting a very small section of the course at a key pinch point, we have minimised the impact to residents and businesses along the marathon route, whilst increasing entry numbers into the race,” Mr Hart said.

“The changes mean that more runners will get to experience our famous fast, flat and scenic course and avoid the disappointment of not securing a spot in the race.”

Gabriella Villavicencio is running her first marathon as a tribute to Australia for granting her permanent residency.

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Runners at the 2018 marathon.

Having only ran in the Gold Coast Asics half marathon previously, The Venezuelan woman hopes to make her family proud.

“I want to run for my country, I said as soon as I get my permanent residency I will do it.”

After being granted permanent residency in March, Mrs Villavicencio signed up during the early-bird ticketing period.

“I have always felt at home in Australia and I’m doing this to say thank you.”

Mr Hart remains confident another increase in entries this year after last year’s marathon sold out for the first time a month ahead of the July race.

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“Last year was a special year for us, with the 40th anniversary of the race and the sporting spotlight placed on the region with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and entries this year are on track for another record-breaking event,” he said.

The Gold Coast Marathon is the first in Australia to hold an IAAF Road Race Gold Label and is expecting over 28,000 participants in eight races over two days.

The event will feature the marathon, wheelchair marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport Fun Run, Garmin 4km Junior Dash and Garmin 2km Junior Dash.

The marathon is organised by Events Management Queensland, a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government as part of Tourism and Events Queensland.