Cameron Hart: the General Manager of Queensland Events Gold Coast which is an event management company that organises the annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon and biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games.
Hello, on July 5th 2009, you’ll be organising the Gold Coast Airport Marathon . Can you tell us where it is located?
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is held on the Gold Coast in the state in Queensland in Australia. The Gold Coast is one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world.
This will be the 31st edition of the race. Why was it created in the first place?
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon was instigated by the Rotary Club of Surfers Paradise in 1978 to improve the health and fitness of the Gold Coast community. Following information from the National Fitness Council, National Heart Foundation and the Honolulu Marathon Clinic, a community service project was established and sessions organised to train people to complete a marathon within a year.
By mid-1978, about 60 people were attending these marathon clinics. With the growing interest, plans progressed for the inaugural Gold Coast Marathon to be held on 2 September 1979 at Evandale. The first Gold Coast Marathon attracted 691 participants with Eric Sigmont winning the first men’s marathon and Mary Murison the first women’s race.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is recognised worldwide for its fast, flat and scenic course and technical excellence. Runners come from all over Australia and the world to experience the magnificent running conditions and beautiful course that runs alongside the Pacific Ocean surf beaches and Broadwater, with the hinterland as a glorious backdrop.
How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
The 2008 event saw a record 21,012 people from 30 countries take part in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. The event has grown by over 10,000 runners in the past 5 years as more and more people ‘Embrace the Next Step’ towards a personal challenge, health and fitness goals and participating in a vibrant community event.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is annually attended by Australian running legends Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti and Pat Carroll, and also assembles a quality field of elite runners pursuing a slice of the large prizemoney pool.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon features a 42.2km Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km Run, 5km Run/Walk and Junior Dash races for the kids over 4km and 2.25km.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
It is traditionally great running conditions with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to 20 degrees Celcius through the marathon.
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
Thousands of spectators line the scenic course along with roving musicians and entertainers, creating an amazing atmosphere called ‘Runspiration’ to help inspire and motivate the participants.
Annual social events such as the Asics Sport & Leisure Expo and Legends Motivational Carbo Lunch ensure participants and supporters maximise their Gold Coast Airport Marathon experience.
The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Southport before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Visitors to the Gold Coast can book direct flights into Gold Coast Airport and have a massive choice of accommodation, dining, public transportation and leisure activity options. There is so much to do it is recommended to enjoy an extended stay.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon?
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has a fast and beautiful course perfect for setting a personal best, and you get to enjoy all the features of the Gold Coast, one of the most favoured holiday destinations around the world.
Thank you Cameron
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