New South Welshman Jeff Hunt returns to one of his favourite battlegrounds – the Gold Coast Airport Marathon (5 -6 July) – to relaunch his international running campaign.

Hunt will be favourite to take out his third ASICS Half Marathon on Sunday 6 July. He will use this race as a key stepping stone in his plan to once again be in the top echelon of Australian marathoners.

The 31-year-old wore the Australian colours in the 2012 London Marathon (63rd) and 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi (13th), however was overlooked for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Hunt, who has a half marathon PB of 1:02:44, won the ASICS Half Marathon in 2010 and 2011, the only runner to ever win the event back-to-back.

In his path this year is an interesting array of domestic and overseas runners, including Sydney 2000 Olympic 3000m steeplechase gold medallist Reuben Kosgei, from Kenya.

Add to this a trio of well-credentialled New Zealanders – Benjamin Ashkettle (PB 1:03:45), Aaron Pulford (1:06:11) and Samuel Wreford (1:06:39) – and the scene is set for a compelling showdown.

The formula is even more salivating in the women’s half marathon with two ‘locals’ set to continue a titanic battle.

Cassie Fien and Clare Geraghty staged a titanic battle in the recent City2South event, in their home city of Brisbane.

Fien led for much of the 14km event before Geraghty kicked close to the line and edged out her close rival.

That battle will continue in the ASICS Half Marathon.

Neither are strangers to the Gold Coast course with Geraghty winning the Southern Cross University 10km in 2009 and Fien second in the ASICS Half Marathon in 2010.

The women’s half marathon field will have at least eight runners with sub-1:19 PBs, which sets this race up as one of the most competitive of the weekend.

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

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 www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.

Elite Athlete Start Field – Men

Elite Athlete Start Field – Women