The 36^th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon is on track to host a strong international field of runners this year, including a band of elite athletes with the credentials to shatter race record times across the 5 – 6 July race weekend.

The event was officially launched this morning at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon finish line in the Southport Broadwater Parklands. With the newly refurbished Gold Coast Aquatic Centre as a backdrop, the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey launched what is set to be the largest and fastest  international field of runners in the event’s history.

The Minister was joined by Gold Coast Mayor Councillor Tom Tate, Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan, Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington and Events Management Queensland Chairman Kerry Watson.

Event ambassador, three-time Olympian and 2006 Gold Coast Airport Marathon champion Lee Troop also took to the stage to discuss his decision to finish his Australian competitive running career at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Troop will officially retire from Australian competition after the 2014 event. He was joined by event ambassador, four-time Olympian and Australian marathon record holder Benita Willis.

“Last year this event saw more than 27,000 competitors converge on the Southport Broadwater Parklands, with 53% of those travelling to the Gold Coast from interstate or overseas,” said Minister Stuckey.

“The event was also broadcast to 64 countries showcasing the Gold Coast to thousands of potential visitors, with this year’s event to be televised to similar audience.

“Event organisers are anticipating unprecedented participation for this year’s event across all international markets, particularly the key tourism markets of South East Asia, China and Japan.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon confirmed its position as one of the world’s leading road races, becoming the first Australian marathon to attain an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) IAAF Road Race Gold Label in 2013.

“As we look toward the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, it is events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon that showcase to a global audience our ability to host high calibre international sporting events.

“The Queensland Government is proud to support signature events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as part of our commitment to double overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

Ms Stuckey also extended her thanks to the 1000-plus volunteer team who work on the event as part of the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program.

The top five elite runners for the men’s and women’s 42.195km Gold Coast Airport Marathon were also announced today.

Event Chairman Kerry Watson said the depth in this year’s elite field could see both men’s and women’s race records broken.

“We’ll be joined by world-class runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Japan and many other countries, as well as some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s best,” Mr Watson said.

“Japan is particularly well represented in the elite men’s and women’s ranks and, of course, there will be a strong contingent of African runners who never fail to produce something special.”

The strongest marathon field ever assembled on the Gold Coast features 13 men who have personal best times better below the two hour ten minute benchmark and five women with times better than two hours 30 minutes.

Mr Watson explained that the awarding of the IAAF Road Race Gold Label had catapulted the Gold Coast Airport Marathon into the hearts and minds of elites all over the world. The prestigious designation proves the calibre of the event, the competitors that it attracts and the efforts of the race organisers ensuring the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is known for world’s best practices.

The sport’s world governing body, the IAAF, annually awards IAAF Road Race Labels to only those marathons that meet strict criteria for excellence in the delivery of the race.

In another announcement today, event ambassador and launch MC Pat Carroll announced the inclusion of the Australian Marathon Championships to the long list of accolades to be fought out at this year’s event.

“The Gold Coast will get to see a State of Origin clash like no other, with an elite field of the country’s very own marathon talent all fighting to be first across the line and crowned champion. As well as this, one state will walk away with the prestigious title of Australian Marathon team champions,” Pat said.

This year’s race program will feature the full 42.195km Gold Coast Airport Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank  5.7km Challenge and 4km and 2km Junior Dash races.

Runners and walkers also have the opportunity to dedicate their run and raise funds for the official charity Cancer Council Queensland or for a charity of their choice.

Entries for the 36th Gold Coast Airport Marathon are open.

For more information, or to enter, visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.