More than 300 teams will run for the good times at the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon

By Hayley Payne

Each year the Gold Coast Airport Marathon bears witness to an incredible array of companionship, courage and compassion in its Team Challenge across all corporate, fitness, school and social team categories.

Teams come in all shapes and sizes, and this includes some unique and quirky names that represent the teams and their objectives.

This year, we spoke to three teams to find out why they selected their names and what makes them the best team!

Team name: Merlin’s Magic Wand

Team manager: Vicki Brown

Where did the name Merlin’s Magic Wand originate?

“Merlin’s Magic Wand is the name of our global charity for Merlin Entertainments. We support seriously ill, disadvantaged and disabled children by supplying them with free magical days out at our attractions. From our marathon team point of view, I think we’ll need a little bit of magic to help us get over the finish line.”

What makes your team the best?

“We’re not the best, but we’ll make sure we try our best on behalf of all the children we support. Many of them are doing it really tough. Running a marathon is easy compared to what they have overcome. But I know we’ll still struggle. Good intentions can only get us so far. Bring on the magic wand!”

Team name: Cornchip Crusaders

Team manager: Shari Ly

How did you think of the name Cornchip Crusaders?

“We have named our team after our friend Louise who we lost late last year to a very short battle with breast cancer. Louise’s nickname at the police academy was ‘cornchips’ as her last name was tricky to pronounce. This (the academy) was where Bronny, Nicole and I met Louise. The three of us are running the marathon to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in her honour.”

What makes your team the best?

“We are the best because we know that no matter what happens to us, we will finish, even if we’re crawling. And because by doing the marathon, the money we help raise will help find a cure.”

Team name: Blood Sweat and Beers (BSB)

Team manager: Alexandra & Verne Lowson

Where did the name Blood Sweat and Beers come from?

“When we first decided to put together a running group, we wanted a name which symbolised the enjoyment we get out of running and our light-hearted approach to the group, while still acknowledging that it’s hard work sometimes! Our mantra for BSB is to be welcoming and encouraging to everyone, no matter how fast or slow or how far you want to run. If you love to run, or want to give it a go in a friendly environment, you will always be welcome with us.”

What makes BSB the best?

“The people! We have the most amazing bunch of supportive and encouraging people who run with us. Some are aiming to run under 2:50:00 at #GCAM17, no pressure Derrick, and some are training up for their first non-stop attempt at The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge. However, they all have the same cheerful, encouraging mindset and love of running. We try and limit the blood, embrace the sweat and always look forward to the well-earned beers!”

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