Left to right – Paul Donovan, Benita Willis, Bonza, John Warn, Erchana Murray-Bartlett and Pete Rudland

The announcement of two new Gold Coast Marathon ambassadors today also marked the opening of entries for the July 6 – 7 2024 event that includes a special entry offer until the end of the year.

Gold Coast born and bred former professional rugby league player Keegan Hipgrave and former SAS Trooper and Invictus Games gold medallist Peter Rudland will join the Gold Coast Marathon line-up of ambassadors to promote the event and share their inspirational athlete journeys of motivation and commitment.

And in a deliberate move to accommodate growing interest in the event and as a special pre-Christmas bonus, participants will be able to enter the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon at 2023 prices until the end of the year.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe officially welcomed the new event ambassadors and encouraged budding participants for next year’s Gold Coast Marathon to take advantage of the special offers and enter early.

“It’s terrific to have sporting legends Keegan and Peter join as ambassadors, to help fly the flag for this classic Gold Coast event, now well established as one of the more unique must-do marathons in the world.

“The 44^th annual Gold Coast Marathon will attract thousands of visitors from all over Australia and the world, many, along with their support crews, will stay on to experience everything this great region has to offer.

“Last year’s event injected a record-breaking $36.29 million into Queensland’s visitor economy, an increase of more than $11 million on the previous year.

“And the signs are looking good that we’re in for yet another bumper Gold Coast Marathon, with strong demand forcing organisers to open nominations for entry earlier than planned, which is great news for tourism operators and workers.”

Events Management Queensland Chairman Paul Donovan said extending the entry opening by two months increases the opportunity to secure a place in the popular longer races and we hope it will encourage participants to set their fitness goals for 2024 early.

“This is one of Queensland’s signature events. It showcases the Gold Coast and our impeccable event delivery capabilities reinforcing the state’s sporting credentials in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We anticipate much stronger international entries in 2024 as confidence in overseas travel continues to grow again and we know we can count on thousands of participants from Australia so we’re planning on delivering a bigger and better event than ever.

Mr Donovan also welcomed the new ambassadors to the team of existing Gold Coast Marathon ambassadors who include last year’s recruit Erchana Murray Barlett and our ambassador legends, Robert de Castella, Steve Moneghetti, Pat Carroll and Benita Willis.

“We are delighted to have such a high calibre and diverse group of athletes to inspire participants with their amazing stories of accomplishment in life and in sport,” Mr Donovan said.