The Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge may not grab as many headlines as the glamour events across the Gold Coast Airport Marathon weekend (July 5 – 6), but the sea of feet and faces that are involved indicate to its growing popularity.

About 6000 people are expected to be on the start line at 8am Saturday 5 July for this event.

“This is the event that almost anyone can take part in,” Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart.

“There is no better way to start your Gold Coast Airport Marathon experience. Even if you decide late to be a part of the weekend, there is not a lot of training required to take part in the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge.

“Some people run, some jog, some walk. It is all about participation.

“Saturday has a real family emphasis with the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and the 2km and 4km Junior Dash races.

“The Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge is perfect for families. It is the only event where mums and dads can push prams. Yet they use the same start and finish lines as the elite athletes.

“To be on the same course as the elite runners is a great motivation. You get your picture perfect moment at the finish line, which will be with you forever.”

Entries to all races close at 8pm on Friday July 4. Entry details are available on the Gold Coast Airport Marathon’s official site goldcoastmarathon.com.au

Anybody who can’t make it to the race precinct on Sunday 6 July can watch the marathon via a live digital telecast and see the live results at goldcoastmarathon.com.au

Also, the main pre-race hub for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday night, July 3. This is where the Check In Centre will be housed as well as the ASICS Sport & Leisure Expo.

The Expo will have more than 60 exhibitors with a wide range of health and fitness products. The Expo is open to the general public.

Another major highlight at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre will be the AirAsia Legends Lunch on Saturday 5 July. Appearing at the lunch will be a host of running greats including Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti, Pat Carroll, Lee Troop, Benita Willis and Mok Ying Ren.

This lunch is open to the general public with tickets available at goldcoastmarathon.com.au

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.

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.

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.

Participants 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.

For more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au