Former Australian rugby league and rugby union international Mat Rogers became one of the first runners to register for the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon (30 June – 1 July) when entries officially opened today.
The 36-year-old retired from rugby league last year and today announced a new focus was to complete his first 42.195km Gold Coast Airport Marathon to raise money for his charity 4 ASD Kids (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
Rogers, whose illustrious sporting career included playing for the Australian Wallabies and tallying 200 NRL games for the Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans, will be looking to add a marathon to his already impressive list of achievements.
“Running in a marathon has been a goal of mine for a long time and I thought what better place to do it than right here on the Gold Coast,” said Rogers.
“I’m currently recruiting a team of 50 people to run the marathon with me. We are calling it ‘The Rat Race’ and are aiming to raise health and fitness awareness along with much needed funds for my charity 4 ASD Kids.
“The 42.195km race will be a massive physical and mental test, but at the same time I know it will be a life changing experience for me and the team.”
Events Queensland Gold Coast General Manager Cameron Hart welcomed Mat Rogers in to the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon and believes his presence in the event will only encourage others to join.
“We are delighted to have Mat Rogers enter his first Gold Coast Airport Marathon. He is an exceptional athlete who has achieved so much across his extensive sporting career,” said Hart.
More than 25,000 people are set to take part in this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon which has undergone minor changes to enhance the overall experience for all participants.
The Queensland Health Challenge has been lengthened to 5.7km and will be held on Saturday 30 June along with the Southern Cross University 10km Run and Junior Dash races over 4km and 2km.
“The changes to the Saturday race program are designed to position it as a big community and family day and enhance the experience of participants, spectators and sponsors on both days,” said Hart.
“The course changes for the Southern Cross University 10km Run and Queensland Health Challenge (5.7km) will provide everyone with an even more scenic route, allowing them to take in more of the beautiful Broadwater scenery.”
Entries for the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon are now open. Early bird fees close 30 May. For more information or to enter visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
To enter the Mat Rogers ‘Rat Race’ contact Vision Personal Training, Burleigh Heads or the 4 ASD Kids website www.4asdkids.com