Courtesy of Cancer Council Queensland

Research that could give Queenslanders a better chance of being treated or cured of deadly melanomas will get a boost thanks to a powerful partnership between Cancer Council Queensland and Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

For the past 10 years Cancer Council Queensland has been an official beneficiary of the popular annual event and to honour the important partnership, the charity has gifted the naming of one of their research grants to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

The research grant will be called the Gold Coast Airport Marathon Research Project.

The research, led by University of Queensland researcher Dr Aaron Smith, aims to understand the important protective role NR4A proteins play in preventing melanoma development and how these proteins might impact on treatment responses.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift thanked Gold Coast Airport Marathon for their ongoing support of Queenslanders impacted by cancer.

“Melanoma research is a big issue in our state and we are so thankful to have had the support of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon over the past 10 years to continue funding important work in cancer research, education and patient support services,” Ms Clift said.

“With the help of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, we will continue to fund lifesaving research that could help Queenslanders beat melanoma in future.”

Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart said the event’s affiliation with Cancer Council Queensland over the past 10 years has been an integral aspect of the internationally acclaimed marathon and was honoured by the naming of the research grant.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon encourages Queenslanders to have an active and outdoor lifestyle and understands the cancer risks associated with running outside and being exposed to the sun,” Mr Hart said.

“We are active supporters of the Cancer Council Queensland SunSmart Policy and aim to provide a SunSmart environment through implementing sun protection practices such as providing free sunscreen to participants, staff and volunteers.

“Our partnership is a way of giving back and reducing the burden of cancer through awareness and fundraising initiatives. We hope the research grant will lead to new prevention and treatment knowledge regarding melanomas and other skin cancers.

“To celebrate the significant 10-year milestone we’re encouraging all competitors to support Cancer Council Queensland’s vision for a cancer free future by raising money and awareness through Everyday Hero or donating directly when they enter.”

Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Around 3000 melanoma and 133,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed across the State each year.

More than 61,000 Australian lives have been saved by improvements in cancer prevention, screening and treatment over the past 20 years – in 2015 Cancer Council Queensland hopes to change even more lives for the better.

The 2015 Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on July 4-5, with more than 27,000 runners expected to take part.

Participants can take part in either the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross university 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and 4km & 2km Junior Dash races.