The Gold Coast Airport Marathon today announced The Star Gold Coast as the official hotel of Australia’s leading marathon.

The two-year partnership will comprise of special accommodation packages for athletes, and hosting of key functions including the elite athlete media conference, gala dinner and Garmin Legends Lunch, and a twilight pasta dinner for Gold Coast Airport Marathon participants and their supporters.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon Chairman Kerry Watson said the partnership with the world-class resort was a major coup for the internationally acclaimed road race.

“The Star Gold Coast is one of the most iconic and leading resorts on the Gold Coast and we’re thrilled they have come on board as the official hotel for 2015 and 2016,” Mr Watson said.

“The distinguished property will play an integral role in the delivery of our event and its central location on the Gold Coast will be ideal for our elite athletes and stakeholders over race weekend.

“All of our official functions in the lead up to and during the event will be held at the resort including the Garmin Legends Lunch which will feature Australian running royalty such as Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti, Lee Troop, Pat Carroll and Benita Willis.”

Mr Watson said the official hotel’s location in Broadbeach was an ideal location for participants and their supporters over race weekend.

“Competitors who choose to stay at the official hotel will be in close proximity to the Gold Coast Check In Centre and ASICS Sport and Leisure Expo located at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where they will collect their race numbers before race weekend,” Mr Watson said.

“The resort’s prime location is also a short walking distance to race precinct transport options including our shuttle bus and G:link which removes any added stress on race day.”

Managing Director The Star Gold Coast Geoff Hogg said the partnership was an exciting opportunity to showcase features of their $345 million transformation which will be completed before the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The partnership with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a chance for us to be involved in a major Australian sporting event and help put the Gold Coast on the international stage,” Mr Hogg said.

“We’re excited to show off our recent developments including our new restaurants, Cucina Vivo and Kiyomi and new poolside experience which I’m sure will be popular with runners looking for a cool respite after their races.”

View The Star Gold Coast’s special accommodation offer.

To book or for more information visit thestar.com.au/goldcoast

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.