Nine Queensland and NBN Television have announced they will be official television partners of the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon on 1 – 2 July.

Among competitors in the 42.195km challenge is Nine News Queensland 6pm presenter Andrew Lofthouse who will race on the Gold Coast for the first time. Running alongside ‘Lofty’ will be Luke Bradnam, a local resident who has competed 11 times in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and is well-known as Nine’s Gold Coast News boating and fishing reporter.

Now in its 39th year, this event has in the past attracted more than 27,000 participants of different ages and abilities for the event’s varying list of races. This year Channel Nine Queensland will broadcast a one-hour Gold Coast Airport Marathon special, highlighting the highs and lows of this spectacular weekend event.

Nine Queensland managing director Kylie Blucher, says she’s proud to have the Gold Coast Airport Marathon at broadcasting’s home of sport, Channel Nine.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon event is a world-class event and I’m excited to bring it into the Channel Nine business and homes of viewers across Southeast Queensland and around Australia,” Mrs Blucher said.

“Channel Nine Queensland is community focussed and we like getting behind our own. This year Nine News presenter Andrew Lofthouse and Gold Coast News reporter Luke Bradnam will be competing and we look forward to cheering them on from the sidelines.”

TODAY sports presenter Tim Gilbert will not only host the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon, he’ll also compete in The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge on Saturday 1 July.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart welcomed the link-up as a major boost for the marathon, guaranteeing wide exposure courtesy of a network renowned for its sports coverage.

“This partnership with the Nine Network, a respected leader in sport broadcasting, affirms the Gold Coast Airport Marathon’s positon as a major international event on Australia’s sporting calendar,” Mr Hart said.

“Not only are we looking forward to benefitting from the Nine Network’s expertise in sports broadcasting but we’re also excited to host Nine sports presenter Tim Gilbert on the Gold Coast for the weekend, along with sports panellist Candice Warner plus Nine personalities Andrew Lofthouse and Luke Bradnam.

“Tim Gilbert is a highly regarded sports presenter who has covered many international events. He’ll host the Garmin Legends Lunch and marathon presentations as well as guest commentate the live webcast.”

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is regarded as Australia’s leading marathon and is now part of Nine Queensland’s portfolio of comprehensive sporting coverage.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon highlights program will be aired in Queensland on Saturday 15 July and in NSW, WA, SA and Vic on Sunday 16 July.

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

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 42.195km, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge, Zespri 4km Junior Dash and Zespri 2km Junior Dash.