The Star Gold Coast General Manager Marketing Queensland Simon Proctor and Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart with Kaelani Hogan, Tamsyn Hogan, Vanessa Hogan, Adam Blake and Abby Blake who will be running The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge in memory of their late father and grandfather Les Blake.

The Star Gold Coast has continued its support of major events on the Gold Coast securing the naming rights sponsorship of the 5.7km Challenge at this year’s 39th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

Having been the official hotel of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon for the past two years, the landmark Gold Coast property has increased its involvement to now include sponsorship of the mass participation race.

The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge will be held on Saturday 1 July as part of a race program that also features the Southern Cross University 10km Run, Zespri 4km Junior Dash and Zespri 2km Junior Dash on this day, and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon and Wheelchair 15km on Sunday 2 July.

The Star Gold Coast General Manager Marketing Queensland Simon Proctor said that iconic events such as the Gold Coast Airport Marathon are a fantastic way to drive visitors to the city both domestically and internationally.

“This is our third year in a row of being hotel provider to the Marathon, and with our recent transition to The Star Gold Coast, we are excited to reaffirm our commitment to the City through events such as the 5.7km challenge,” Mr Proctor said.

“The Gold Coast’s reputation as a must-visit destination continues to strengthen and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon plays a vital role in helping propel our city onto the world stage.”

Runners will also be able to taste the delights of The Star Gold Coast’s world-class chefs at the Garmin Legends Lunch on Saturday 1 July, an annual fixture as part of marathon weekend.

Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart said The Star had been a Gold Coast institution for more than 30 years much like the event itself.

“We are delighted to have The Star Gold Coast increase its commitment with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon to be naming rights sponsor of the 5.7km Challenge as well as official event hotel,” Mr Hart said.

“The Star is a local Gold Coast institution which attracts visitors from around the world just like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

“Their sponsoring of the 5.7km Challenge enables us to continue to deliver a race popular with locals and visitors alike.”

Kaelani Hogan, Tamsyn Hogan, Vanessa Hogan, Adam Blake and Abby Blake will run the The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge as  part of the Blue Dragons team and will raise awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge already holds a special and emotional significance for one local family.

The Hogan family from the northern Gold Coast will participate in The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge in memory of their late father and grandfather Les Blake who was a long-time runner at the event.

The date of The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge, 1 July 2017, marks exactly one year since Les lost his six-year battle with prostate cancer.

Daughter Vanessa Hogan said more than 10 members of the extended Blake family will take part this year in memory of Les and in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Vanessa Hogan and her family remember their late father and grandfather Les Blake who was a long-time runner at the event

“Dad loved this event as much as he loved running,” Vanessa said.

“It means so much for us to run together in his memory and for the anniversary of his passing.

“We plan to wear his finisher’s medals from past Gold Coast Airport Marathons in this year’s event.

“He will be so proud to see us all in the event he loved.”

For the full story on the Hogan family’s participation in The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge, click here.

Enter The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge