The Gold Coast Airport Marathon today announced a partnership with Garmin, the global leader in GPS technology, as the official GPS watch of the event and naming rights sponsor of the Garmin Legends Lunch for 2015 and 2016.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart said the two-year agreement with Garmin aligned perfectly with the event’s status as Australia’s leading marathon.

“Garmin is a world leader in producing superior GPS products, particularly in the thriving running market, and we’re thrilled to partner with them for the next two years,” Mr Hart said.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon prides itself on exploring and implementing new technology and believes Garmin’s vision to produce products with compelling designs, superior quality and value echoes our stance.

“Many of our elite and recreational runners already utilise Garmin’s user-friendly and innovative wearable technology during training and on race day and we’re certain that many of them will be excited to learn more about their products in the lead up to and over race weekend.”

Matt DeMoss, General Manager at Garmin Australasia, said the partnership with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was an exciting development for the brand and a chance to engage with thousands of runners from Australia and around the world.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is an internationally acclaimed marathon and we’re delighted to be associated with the event as the official GPS watch and naming rights sponsor of the Garmin Legends Lunch,” Mr DeMoss said.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing our latest wearable technologies and demonstrating how our GPS technology can benefit runners of all ages and abilities to attendees.

“We have been making wearables for more than 12 years and been specialising in GPS for more than 25 years.  We’re experts in our field and believe our partnership with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will highlight how our running watches not only enhance our customers’ lives but become an essential part of them.”

Mr Hart said the Garmin Legends Lunch, held on Saturday 4 July (12pm) at the Jupiters Hotel & Casino, is an exclusive opportunity for competitors to share a meal with and receive pre-race advice from Australian running legends.

“This year’s Garmin Legends Lunch will feature former marathon world record-holder Robert de Castella, four-time Olympian Steve Moneghetti, four-time Gold Coast Airport Marathon winner Pat Carroll, World Cross Country Champion Benita Willis, three-time Olympic marathoner Lee Troop and plenty more coaches and celebrities who are yet to be announced,” Mr Hart said.

“There aren’t many marathon events in the world which offer competitors the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with athletes of such a high calibre, pick their brains and physically prepare with a carbohydrate-rich buffet lunch before their big race.

“Garmin, as the official naming rights sponsor of the Legends Lunch, will also be on hand to answer any questions from competitors, discuss their latest products and even give away products to lucky winners.”

To purchase a ticket or for more information about the Garmin Legends Lunch visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au/race-weekend/garmin-legends-lunch/

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.