CITIZEN Watches were announced today as the official timekeeper of the 2013 Gold Coast Airport Marathon (6-7 July).

It’s a top-end partnership that offers perfect synergy with the sport of distance running where timekeeping is so important to those taking part.

As a major component of the sponsorship, CITIZEN will provide watches to the male and female placegetters in the full Gold Coast Airport Marathon and the male and female winners of the recently-announced Australian Half Marathon Championships (Sunday 7 July).

“Our product development policy the fusion of technology and beauty remains a constant motivation for us to merge cutting edge technology with beautifully designed timepieces,” CITIZEN Sales and Marketing Manager Rod Willment said.

“As a consequence we hope our products inspire people to strive to be their best at any time, which is what this sponsorship is all about.

“We are planning on activation activities to engage with participants at the ASICS Sports and Leisure Expo at the CITIZEN booth, and give away some quality timepieces,” he said.

Events Management Queensland General Manager Cameron Hart welcomed CITIZEN’s involvement.

“CITIZEN is a globally-recognised brand with a deserved reputation for quality and precision.

“We see the sponsorship as the perfect alignment for our event,” he said.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a major highlight on Queensland’s event calendar, attracting people from more than 30 countries and showcasing the Gold Coast as a premier sporting event destination.

Last year the Marathon attracted a record 28,224 participants with 73 per cent of those from outside the Gold Coast region.

This year’s race program will feature the full 42.195km Gold Coast Airport Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank  5.7km Challenge and 4km and 2km Junior Dash races.

Runners and walkers also have the opportunity to dedicate their run and raise funds for the official charity Cancer Council Queensland or for a charity of their choice.

Entries for the 35th Gold Coast Airport Marathon are open.

For more information, or to enter, visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.