Kris Ryan will fly 16,000km from Dublin to the Gold Coast to run in both the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and 5.7km Challenge.
Photo: Marathon Photos

By Olivia Edwards

Set to travel 16,735km from Dublin in Ireland, Kris Ryan is currently the participant who will be travelling the greatest distance to run at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon to be held on 2 July.

Choosing the Gold Coast over racing in an event in Ireland, this will be Kris’ fourth Gold Coast Airport Marathon and 80th marathon overall.

Not only will Kris take on the 42.2km of the marathon on the Sunday, she plans to run the 5.7km Challenge on the Saturday with her father.

As an Australian living in Ireland and with family that live on the Gold Coast, the distance is worth it for Kris – to run the marathon and arrange a family visit around it.

“I am very sentimental about the Gold Coast,” Kris said.

“It is one of the only races where my parents get to see me run. The course really suits this as we run through the start/finish area twice before we finish.

“It’s a great opportunity to see loved ones over the marathon distance.”

Further commending the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on its ability to cater for everyone, Kris is delighted her father will participating this year.

“My father and I will be doing the 5.7km race on the Saturday this year. It is fantastic to see a 73-year-old man train and look forward to completing his first race.

“It’s yet again showing what an eventful weekend it is on the Gold Coast – having races to suit all abilities and distances.”

Proving the distance is no excuse to participate, her love for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will keep her coming back to her favourite event of the year.

“It really is wonderful to come back to Australia and experience such a world class event,” she said.

“Being fortunate enough to run London and New York, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is right up there with them.

“I wish everyone the best of luck over the weekend, and can soak up the atmosphere and have fun!”

The 39th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July.

27,000 runners will take part in the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

Set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities, this year’s race program will feature the Gold Coast Airport Marathon over 42.2km, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run 5.7km Challenge, Zespri 4km Junior Dash and Zespri 2km Junior Dash.

For the fourth year, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has been awarded an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label.

RUN #GCAM17 WITH KRIS