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News
 AIRPORT MARATHON ON PACE FOR ANOTHER RECORD
THE 2006 Gold Coast Airport Marathon is officially off and running after today's launch by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Minister for Health, Andrew Fraser MP, at Southport's Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame.
The 28th annual event managed by Queensland Events Gold Coast, will be contested on Sunday 2 July 2006.
The 42 kilometre feature race will once again double as the Australian Marathon Championship.
"The winning combination of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and Australian Marathon Championships are sure to give us a head start towards our goal of eclipsing last year?s record of 12,711 competitors," Mr Fraser said.
"The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is an award-winning event attracting athletes from every Australian state and territory, the Asia-Pacific region and over 35 countries worldwide, so it's great to see it going from strength to strength," he said.
Queensland Events Gold Coast Chairman, Kerry Watson, said he has been buoyed by the huge early interest being received from overseas.
"The Japanese particularly are coming back in ever-increasing numbers and that?s wonderful to see," Mr Watson said.
"On a promotional visit in February, I heard and saw enough to assure me that the Japanese runners consider our event one of the premier events at which they can combine a fantastic holiday with a world-class sporting experience.
"And let's not forget the Kiwis and runners from the United States, Europe and other parts of Asia who support our Marathon so strongly.
"There's no doubt at all the Gold Coast Airport Marathon continues to prove its value as a drawcard for the highly lucrative sports tourism market," Mr Watson said.
Queensland Events Gold Coast General Manager, Cameron Hart, said logistical and operational preparations were already well underway.
"We are also devoting a huge amount of energy into marketing to both our regular entrants and new runners nationally and internationally," Mr Hart said.
"And it was a great thrill to recently announce our naming-rights sponsor - Gold Coast Airport - has lined up for another three years.
"They have been a tremendous supporter over the past three years and we look forward to building upon our already rock solid relationship," he said.
Gold Coast City Mayor, Ron Clarke, said the city was once again right behind the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
"It's an iconic event, not just for the Gold Coast, but for the whole of Australia.
"The vision and excitement this event generates across the nation is absolutely astounding and it has the full support of the Gold Coast City Council," he said.
Aside from the feature event - the 42km Gold Coast Airport Marathon - key events also include the Asics Half Marathon, Telstra Country Wide 10 Kilometre Run, Gold Coast Bulletin 7.5 Kilometre Walk and the Norco Pauls Junior Dashes.
Online entries and entry forms for the 2006 event are now available.
For more information call Queensland Events Gold Coast on 07 5564 8733 or race to www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.
ENDS
Media contacts:
Tamara Morris
Communications and Sponsorship Manager
Queensland Events Gold Coast
+61 7 5564 8733
0419 393 608
Wayne Hickson
Hickson Media
+61 7 5591 2556
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