More than 1,100 volunteers, recruited as part of the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program, will assist in delivering Australia’s first and only IAAF Road Race Gold Label event across a variety of roles at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon held from 5 – 6 July.

To acknowledge the vital role volunteers play in the event’s execution, interns from Bond University, Griffith University, Southern Cross University, University of Queensland and Gold Coast TAFE were treated to breakfast this morning at the Southport Broadwater Parklands in celebration of the 25^th anniversary of National Volunteer Week (12 – 18 May).

The National Volunteer Week campaign Celebrate the Power of Volunteering is a weeklong celebration dedicated to recognising the six million Australians who volunteer annually and contribute over 700 million hours of work to their communities.

Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart said the ongoing support and involvement of volunteers was integral in the execution of one of the world’s leading road races.

“The highly valued and significant contribution of our event volunteers has played a major role in the successes to date of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” Mr Hart said.

“The desire of volunteers to contribute to this major event, especially those repeat volunteers who are experienced and enthusiastic about delivering a world class event, has helped us attain Australia’s first and only IAAF Road Race Gold Label.

“National Volunteer Week is the perfect chance for us to acknowledge the time given by our volunteers in key roles in administration, registrations, marketing, operations and sport services all of which contribute to the overall quality of the event delivery.”

Student intern, Bianca Jade Bemand, is working in the operations department and said her experience working at this year’s event will assist her in attaining a job when she completes her university degree.

“Since beginning my university degree in event management, I’ve understood the importance of attaining first-hand experience in a large scale event such as the Gold Coast Airport Marathon for future employment opportunities,” Bianca said.

“My role consists of assisting with the planning and delivery of the information booths located at the Brisbane and Gold Coast check in centres and the race precinct over race weekend.

“It’s been extremely rewarding so far and I’m excited to see all my plans come to fruition closer to race weekend.”

If you are interested in being part of the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au, phone (07) 5668 9888 or email Catherine Wightman at catherine@goldcoastevents.com.au.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world in Queensland, Australia.

It is set to attract more than 30,000 participants of all ages and abilities across a number of events including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and Junior Dash 4km & 2km races.

For more information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.