By Aydée Bigaton

Running is commonly thought of as being a solo activity, but it does not have to be. While some people run to enjoy personal time and self-reflect, others benefit from sharing the activity with a friend or team.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon accepts teams of 20 or more participants to enter any of the eight races on offer. The team program encourages entrants to have fun together while increasing fitness as either a corporate, fitness, social or school team. All members have the opportunity to reach their goals together and celebrate  each other’s achievements over a barbecue at their tent.

Entering your workplace in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a chance to enhance teamwork and build a sense of community within your business. Team exercises develop team unity and can increase productivity among co-workers. Running in a corporate team can also generate awareness for your organisation, especially if team members wear company apparel. Employees can also invite their spouses and children to join in on the fun.

Ramsay Health Care team manager Bev Borgas said her staff will be running at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon for the sixth time and will continue to partake for years to come.

“We have entered as a team for several years and will continue to do so whilst there is interest from our staff,” Bev said.

“The best part is the camaraderie and having people encourage you to do your best and spur you on.

“There is such a fantastic atmosphere all weekend and when you pass the finish line, no matter what event you’ve run, you enjoy a great sense of achievement.”

Whether your goal is to shed a few kilograms or explore a new hobby, running is a great way to stay in shape and reduce stress. There may be times, however, when going for a run might feel difficult, especially if you are beginning your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Having someone, such as a running buddy or team can keep you accountable and on track towards your goal. Running with friends also assists with pacing and prevents you from cutting runs short, while a consistent schedule will also ensure you improve with every run.

For those who manage gyms or personal training studios, fitness team entries are available. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a great opportunity to motivate your members with a new goal and will surely put your team’s fitness to the test. The event provides your active community the chance to exercise outside gym walls and along a beautiful coastline.

Nikki McCarthy Hicks, team manager of Savvy Fitness, will be competing at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon for the seventh year. The team travels from Wollongong in New South Wales and loves sharing their personal achievements.

“The atmosphere is great! Complete strangers will cheer you on and inspire you to achieve whatever goals you have set for yourself,” Nikki said.

“This event is so well organised. You won’t regret joining a team, it’s great fun and a truly inspirational weekend.

“I love being a part of the Savvy Fitness running program and watching people achieve goals, overcome fears and provide support and motivation to one another. It’s a great environment to train in!”

A bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone! Running with a pal or with a group of people will ensure that you are constantly striving to improve. Seeing your friends progress and conquer goals will only motivate you to work harder to meet your own goals. According to social facilitation theory, when you run with others you will unknowingly give more effort than you would if you were exercising alone. You may even pick up a few tips to improve your running by observing how your friends stretch, prepare and execute their training. It may even inspire you to try new distances and branch out to other types of exercises such as cross-training.

For those who do not qualify as a corporate, fitness or school team, you can enter as a social team. Whether you’re a running club, social group or a community organisation, you are welcome to join in and achieve new goals.

Girls Run This Town team manager El Fischer is excited to bring the women from her team together to participate in the events offered at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a fabulous event as it offers distances to suit all sorts of runners and because it’s over two days, our members will get the chance to cheer on their friends in different events,” El said.

“It’s going to be a celebration for us. There’s been many hours of training to get us all here and everyone appreciates what toll that can take.

“Plus, it will be held on the gorgeous Gold Coast. Why wouldn’t you want to run in paradise?”

Students, teachers and other members of school communities are welcome to join the event as a school team. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon features the Zespri Junior Dash (4km and 2km) and the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge which are exciting goals for students to strive for while improving their health and fitness. Funds can be raised for schools, our official charity Cancer Council Queensland or a preferred charity while celebrating the good times with school friends and members of the school community.

Awards will be provided to winners of all four team categories with the winning teams being presented with a trophy while the team organiser receives an ASICS gift pack. The three awards for teams include largest team, most kilometres travelled and best team spirit. Winners will also be listed in the post-race newsletter, which is distributed to over 100,000 participants, sponsors and supporters.

Team entries close Thursday 26 May.