A record number of little feet will stride into the footprints of running legends during both the 2km and 4km Junior Dash races this Saturday, 6 July, as part of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

More than 1500 eager children aged from five to 14 will take part in the Junior Dash races, on the opening day of the marathon weekend.

According to Events Management Queensland General Manager Cameron Hart the fact that the event’s youngest participants use the same start and finish line as the elite runners  is significant.

“The Junior Dash introduces the younger generation to what the marathon concept is all about,’’ Mr Hart said.

“It is a kids race, but has the same start line, the same finish line as some of the world’s best athletes are using. It allows these children to taste the atmosphere of a major international  marathon event .

“They come through the final stages of the race in front of cheering family and friends.”

Mr Hart said the marathon weekend was promoting a healthy, active lifestyle across all generations.

“The more kids that take up running as part of a healthy lifestyle regime the better,’’ he said.

“I have no doubt that more children are taking up running because of the marathon. The Junior Dash started in 2002 and many participants have now graduated to other events such as the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge, the Southern Cross University 10km run and even the half and full marathons.

“The Junior Dash has certainly been the first step for many into bringing running into their lives.”

Although participation is a major theme in all Gold Coast Airport Marathon events, including the Junior Dash, there will also be plenty of keen competition for podium places among the weekend’s youngest competitors.

The form guide suggests one of the most hotly contested races will be the girls’ 4km Junior Dash with four of the top six place-getters from last year on the starting line in 2013.

The contenders include: Carindale’s Katrina Robinson, 12, who was second in this race last year in 14 minutes and 17 seconds and still holds the record for the girls 2km Junior Dash (6:54); Brisbane’s India Williams, 13, third last year; Coorparoo’s Elizabeth Wilkins, 14, fourth; and the Gold Coast’s Scarlett Fahey, 14, sixth.

All will be trying to better the race record of three-time winner Katelyn Simpson, who set the mark of 13 minutes and 19 seconds in 2008.

In the boys’ 4km Junior Dash Greenslopes’ Jacob Bragg, 13, returns after placing third last year in 13 minutes and 42 seconds.  One of his main rivals is expected to be 11-year-old Harry Erbacher, from Hodgson Vale, south of Toowoomba, who graduates to the longer Junior Dash after placing fourth in the 2km event last year.

Casey O’Brien, 10, from Korora (just north of Coffs Harbour), is chasing a marathon weekend rarity of back-to-back wins in the boys 2km Junior Dash.  Casey finished atop the podium last year in seven minutes and 10 seconds and will now have his eye in the race record of six minutes and 43 seconds set in 2011 by Kobi Rutherford.

The scenario is exactly the same in the girls 2km Junior Dash, with last year’s winner  Daisy Fahey, 10, from the Gold Coast, also entering this year.

Daisy is Scarlett Fahey’s sister, who is contesting the 4km Junior Dash.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a major highlight on Queensland’s event calendar, attracting people from more than 30 countries and showcasing the Gold Coast as a premier sporting event destination.

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.

For more information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.