The Gold Coast Airport Marathon continues to grow as a major sports tourism event for Queensland with a record number of runners from overseas set to hit our shores next week, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones announced today.
With a week until entries close, more than 3,250 runners from 59 overseas countries are registered for the 38th Gold Coast Airport Marathon to be held on 2-3 July.
“Attracting a record number of visiting runners from overseas is a great outcome for the Gold Coast,” said Ms Jones.
“Events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon showcase the Gold Coast to international visitors and to overseas markets.
“Since the marathon was accredited with an IAAF Road Race Gold Label in 2014, there has been even greater interest from elite and recreational runners.
“The event is expected to attract more than 7,000 international visitors to the Gold Coast, which will be a great boost for local tourism operators.”
Ms Jones highlighted the growth from emerging markets such as Greater China and South East Asia as the main reason for the record international numbers.
This year also marks the first year of the landmark agreement between leading Chinese sports media company Sina Sports and Events Management Queensland.
“China represents a huge marketing opportunity for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon moving forward,” said Ms Jones.
“We had one participant from China in 2010 and we are closing in on 300 this year. There is also record participation from Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Japan continues to provide the most number of visiting runners as it has for nearly two decades and New Zealand will also go close to a record number.
“It is a really exciting time for the event as it continues to grow in popularity as a destination marathon.”
Ms Jones said the global media exposure the Gold Coast Airport Marathon now receives has provided a significant boost to the profile of the event and to the Gold Coast.
“Television coverage of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon last year generated 1,500 hours of air time with a potential reach into 850 million households across 129 countries,” Ms Jones said.
“Adding to this is a live stream of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon available around the world and our ability to engage with a global audience on social media.
“Not only are media partnerships raising the profile of the marathon, but also of the Gold Coast as a destination for international visitors.
“We will also host more than 50 media representatives from Japan, Greater China and South East Asia this year, generating further interest.”
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is organised by Events Management Queensland, a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government as part of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Events Management Queensland Chairman Kerry Watson said he was delighted with the growing interest in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon from overseas.
“The participation numbers we attract from overseas markets is the result of long-term marketing strategies in collaboration with Tourism and Events Queensland, Gold Coast Airport, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourism and major sponsors.
“We take a long-term view with our marketing and what we do today is laying the platform for even more visitors to come and experience the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in future years.
“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games has created another significant focus on this destination, and we plan to ensure the Gold Coast Airport Marathon adds value to that focus on the Gold Coast for many years after.”
This year’s 38th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July.
Entries for all races on the program close on Friday 1 July.
Overseas countries ranked by participants
*indicates a record number in 2016
Percentage growth on last year
Key tourism impact study findings from 2015
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