The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has confirmed its position as one of the world’s leading road races after receiving an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label.

Acting Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Tracy Davis congratulated the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on being the first marathon in Australia to receive this accolade.

“Every year the sport’s world governing body, the IAAF, awards road race labels to marathons who have met strict criteria for excellence in planning, delivery and execution,” Ms Davis said.

“After achieving an IAAF Road Race Bronze Label last year, it is a tremendous achievement for our home-grown event to now be recognised as one of the best in the world.

“The Gold Coast is now in esteemed international company alongside races such as the New York City Marathon, Tokyo Marathon and Berlin Marathon.

“The new rating is a testament to the event management expertise of the race organisers.

“The Newman Government is proud to support signature events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as part of our commitment to double overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer Dallas O’Brien said the IAAF Road Race Gold Label designation showcased Australia’s ability in delivering world-class road races.

“Australia has seen a significant increase in participation levels in marathon running over the past decade and credit must go to the organisation of road races such as the Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The international recognition of the IAAF Road Race Gold Label will highlight Australia as a country that produces and delivers some of the finest marathon events in the world.”

IAAF Senior Manager – Road Running Sean Wallace-Jones said the Gold Coast Airport Marathon achieved the IAAF Road Race Gold Label after meeting strict criteria.

“The criteria for whether a road race receives a label designation is based on six general areas – race organisation, course measurement, timing and results, media services, medical provisions and the quality of the international field of elite runners,” Mr Wallace-Jones said.

“For instance, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon had to broadcast their race to an international audience which was achieved when the 2013 event was televised in 64 countries.”

“The distinguished classification is a testament to the meticulous organisation of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and the IAAF congratulates the event for being the first marathon in Australia to achieve this recognition.”

Oceania Athletics Association Executive Director Yvonne Mullins applauded the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on its achievement and their role in the development of marathon running in the IAAF Oceania region.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has been a strong supporter of road running in the Oceania region for a number of years and this title highlights the event’s importance to Queensland and Australia,” said Ms Mullins.

“Since 2008, the event has hosted the Oceania Area Marathon and Half Marathon Championships which has significantly aided the development of road running in the region – we are extremely proud of their achievement.”

Race Chairman Kerry Watson said the IAAF Road Race Gold Label has confirmed the event as one of the leading marathons in the world.

“An IAAF Road Race Gold Label is the highest qualification awarded by the IAAF and it elevates the Gold Coast Airport Marathon to one of the greatest marathons in the world,” Mr Watson said.

“It is an honour to be the first marathon in Australia and the IAAF Oceania region to reach this status which has come about after many years of continual improvement and thorough planning.

“I congratulate my team at Events Management Queensland for achieving this and for generating further awareness and credibility for the event on a world scale.

“We will be proud to sport the IAAF Road Race Gold Label at this year’s 36^th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 6 July.”

For more information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au