Two of the world’s most accomplished and recognised elite distance runners, Americans Ryan and Sara Hall, were today announced as ambassadors for this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon (4 – 5 July) held on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Ryan, the fastest American over the marathon distance (2:04:58), American half marathon record holder (59:43) and two-time marathon Olympian and his wife Sara, a US National Cross Country champion and Pan-American Games steeplechase gold medallist, will join 150-plus fellow Americans in the estimated 3,000 international running contingent at Australia’s leading marathon.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart said the announcement of the Californian couple as ambassadors of the internationally acclaimed marathon was an exciting addition to this year’s event.

“We’re thrilled to have Ryan and Sara, two of America’s greatest modern-day distance runners whose decorated careers have inspired thousands around the world to take up running, on board as ambassadors for this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” Mr Hart said.

“Both athletes have a significant global following, due to their distance running and philanthropy, and their presence as ambassadors will significantly boost our international audience.

“Participants from around the globe attending this year’s event will have plenty of opportunities to see and potentially meet the popular couple. Their role as ambassadors includes attending the elite athlete media conference, speaking at the Garmin Legends Lunch and guest commentating the live webcast.

“Sara, who made her marathon debut earlier this year at the ASICS LA Marathon, will also experience the renowned flat and fast Gold Coast course as a competitor in the ASICS Half Marathon with her hopes set on a podium finish.

“Their presence will add further interest to our international broadcast which last year reached 851 million homes in 108 countries.”

Ryan and Sara said they were excited to be involved with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as ambassadors, especially as it will be their first time visiting the country despite having a long family history with the nation.

“We’re really looking forward to being a part of Australia’s premier road race as official ambassadors and I’m particularly thrilled to race in the ASICS Half Marathon,” Sara said.

“I’ve heard so much about the flat, fast and scenic course from other international runners. I’m sure a great course like this will help me post a fast time and hopefully a top three finish.

“We have a close connection to Australia as Ryan’s parents lived there for two years and his brother was also born there. It’s somewhere he has wanted to visit for a long time but never had the opportunity until now.”

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world in Queensland, Australia.

It is set to attract more than 27,000 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.

To enter or for more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au

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