Forty community groups will lend a vital hand in a variety of roles during the Gold Coast Airport Marathon weekend (6 – 7 July) including coordinating aid stations, road marshalling, left luggage and assisting in the recovery area.

The community groups range from sporting organisations and community associations to schools, universities and running clubs.

They will give up their time to be part of the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program and will help produce a successful and enjoyable event for all participants.

Suncorp Bank Regional General Manager of the Gold Coast, Michael Hall, said the Bank’s sponsorship of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program is evidence of the brand’s commitment to involvement and participation in the community.

“Since Suncorp Bank came on board in 2011, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has become one of the most popular events for our staff and customers here in South East Queensland,” Mr. Hall said.

“A very important part of our sponsorship is the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program. Volunteers play a vital role in making events like this a success, and the experience that they take away from the day is always so rewarding.

“To know that you have played a part in the success of such a large scale community event, and helped others in some small way to achieve their goals, is a wonderful feeling.

“It has been wonderful to see the response from community groups, the general public and our Suncorp Bank team in signing up to volunteer. This really demonstrates great community spirit, and we are so proud to be a part of that.”

One group who will be providing much-needed support and direction to runners at the start line loading zone on race weekend will be Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ).

The AWLQ, formed in 1959, is a non-profit organisation that specialises in the care, shelter and re-homing of cats, dogs and other animals. 

Twenty seven members from the organisation will be volunteering at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon to not only assist runners but to actively engage in the Gold Coast community.

“The volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from teenagers to people aged 60 and over, but they all share the common passion of caring and supporting the unwanted, homeless and neglected animals of our community,” AWLQ spokesperson Jane Jones said.

“The AWLQ cannot continue its welfare work, caring for the communities homeless animals without the financial support of the community.

“The money raised from the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will go towards providing care, shelter and re-homing of animals in South-East Queensland.

“If you are looking for the perfect running buddy choose to adopt a dog from the Animal Welfare Leagues re-homing centres.”

In return for their contribution, all community groups will receive a donation, as well as Suncorp Bank Volunteer Team shirts and a certificate of appreciation.

Events Management Queensland General Manager Cameron Hart said the involvement of community groups over the Gold Coast Airport Marathon weekend was invaluable.

“The community’s engagement is a vital aspect of creating a smooth and memorable event for all involved,” Mr Hart said.

“No major event could be conducted successfully without a strong team of volunteers and the support of the local community.

“It’s also great to see so many community groups from different areas and backgrounds come together for the weekend, which creates a truly special environment and atmosphere for all involved.”

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.

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.