Ms Jones said the global media exposure of the Gold Coast Marathon has contributed to the increased profile of the event and the Gold Coast.
The 2017 television highlights program was broadcast to an estimated two billion viewers resulting in significant international exposure.
“Television coverage of the Gold Coast Marathon last year generated 1700 hours of air time with a potential reach into 900 million households across 93 countries,” Ms Jones said.
“In addition, the live stream of the Gold Coast Marathon is available around the world, complementing the significant global audience engaged on social media.
“Not only are media partnerships raising the profile of the marathon but also of the Gold Coast as a destination for major events.
“We will also host more than 50 media representatives from Japan, greater China and southeast Asia this year.”
The Gold Coast 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 is delighted with the growing international interest in the Gold Coast Marathon.
“Targeted long-term marketing strategies in collaboration with Tourism and Events Queensland, Gold Coast Airport, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourism and major sponsors have resulted in unprecedented participation numbers from overseas markets,” Mr Watson said.
“The growth we are seeing today is based on the platform we’ve laid for even more visitors to come and experience the Gold Coast Marathon both this year and in future years.
“Our strategies, combined with the celebratory occasion of the 40th edition, as well as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games have attracted significant attention to this destination, and we plan to ensure the Gold Coast Marathon adds value to that focus on the Gold Coast for many years to come.”
This 40th annual Gold Coast Marathon will be held on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July.
Entries for all races on the program close on Friday 29 June.
Overseas countries ranked by participants
- Japan
- China*
- Hong Kong*
- New Zealand
- Singapore *
- Taiwan*
- Malaysia*
- USA
- Indonesia*
- Macau*
*indicates a record number in 2018
Percentage growth on last year
- Macau +127%
- China +125%
- Indonesia +91%
- Malaysia +82%
- Hong Kong +69%
- New Zealand +26%
- Taiwan +21%
- Japan +18%
- Singapore +2%
The 40th edition Gold Coast Marathon will feature eight races including the Gold Coast Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport Fun Run, Garmin 4km Junior Dash and Garmin 2km Junior Dash.
RUNNERS. TAG YOUR PHOTOS WITH #GCM25