Two weeks ago marked 35 years since the first Gold Coast Airport Marathon was held on 2 September 1979 in the Gold Coast suburb of Evandale. During that time the event has facilitated and witnessed some of the greatest moments in Australia’s rich sporting history.

To celebrate the milestone, we asked our followers on social media to share with us their favourite Gold Coast Airport Marathon moment. We received over 100 responses ranging from personal triumphs, tales of spectator support, classic elite athlete victories and emotional recounts from marathon debutants.

Every person who entered went into the draw to win 1 of 10 2015 Gold Coast Airport Marathon training shirts to wear proudly on their training runs in preparation for next year’s event. Could all winners please email social@goldcoastmarathon.com.au with your full name, postal address, contact number and shirt size to claim your prize.

The 10 winners and their favourite moments are:

Winner: Andrew Kolsteeg

“My favourite moment was volunteering at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in the information booth and seeing the elation on the competitor’s faces when they viewed their (finish) times in the information booth. (In addition) being there when my brother ran his first marathon in Australia to support him when he crossed the finish line. This also inspired me to start running again after injuring my leg and I will hopefully be able to run the Southern Cross University 10km Run next year with my brother (if his work schedule allows him the time off).”

Winner: Geoff Oliver

“My favourite moment was this year when I crossed the finish line knocking six minutes off my personal best and sticking to my run and nutrition plan for the entire race. But perhaps better than that was the opportunity to motivate some of those that I passed (especially those walking near the end) to not give up, but to keep running. Every step taken is a step closer to the finish line and a step closer to reaching your goals.”

Winner: Mark Reilly

“In 2012 I watched my first Gold Coast Airport Marathon which inspired me to lose 30 kilograms and get healthy. In 2013, I competed in my first 10km. In 2014, I had to drop from the ASICS Half Marathon to the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge but I still set a personal best. In 2015, I’ll be back to try again.”

Winner: Max Lim

“I am from Malaysia and I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragements I received from people. From the youngest to the oldest along the course. Simply unforgettable!”

Winner: Jane Cannan

“I bawled my eyes out for the entire four hours that it took my sister to do her first one this year. I followed her on ‘live track’ from her watch. So incredibly proud! I hadn’t run a kilometre before then and now I have my first half marathon in a few weeks. Hope to see you next year for the full. So exciting!”

Winner: Peggy Oin

“My favourite moment is the supporters. They motivate me a lot, especially when I’m slowing down. They call out my name and cheer me on to run. This doesn’t happen much back home and I really hope one day Singapore will learn from it. Supporters make our runs look and feel easier and mentally seem shorter. Also, of course the famous fish and chips, seafood platter, wine, observation tower, hot air balloon, whale watching, theme parks and malls waiting for me after my run. I will be back! Thanks and appreciation to organisers, volunteers and supporters. You made my first overseas run enjoyable and memorable.”

Winner: Kristy Lee Hopwood

“I have done four consecutive Gold Coast Airport Marathons and have met so many marathon legends of the Gold Coast race along my journey. I have been encouraged and inspired by these people to aim for the 10-Year Marathon Club. I have been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder which causes dizziness and nausea which impacted my time this year causing me to run my worst time thus far (but still finished woohoo!). A 2015 training shirt would be fantastic inspiration to help me get to my goal of 10 years!”