The Gold Coast Airport Marathon today acknowledged the efforts of more than 1,100 volunteers who assist with the delivery of Australia’s leading marathon with a breakfast at the Broadwater Parklands in celebration of National Volunteer Week (11 – 17 May).

The volunteers, recruited as part of the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program, were represented by eight interns from Bond University, Griffith University, University of Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast at this morning’s gathering.

The National Volunteer Week campaign Give Happy. Live Happy. is a weeklong celebration dedicated to recognising the six million Australians who volunteer annually and contribute over 700 million hours of work to their communities.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart said the contributions of volunteers in the lead up to and during race weekend were integral to the delivery of the internationally acclaimed marathon.

“National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to recognise past and current volunteers who have given up their time to provide their skills in key departments including administration, registrations, operations, sport services and marketing,” Mr Hart said.

“Every year we manage to assemble an enthusiastic and skilled group of volunteers who want to make a significant contribution to the success of one of Australia’s largest mass participation sporting events.

“Not only do we reward our volunteers with a t-shirt and certificate, but we strive to provide them with a positive working environment and first hand experience in what it takes to produce an event of this size.”

Gold Coast Airport Marathon Registrations Manager Shari Amory first became involved in the event six years ago as an intern, and said her current role within the organisation stemmed from her position as a volunteer.

“Contributing to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as a registrations and marketing student intern in 2009 was an unforgettable experience and it allowed me to implement my theoretical skills in a practical workplace environment,” Ms Amory said.

“As a volunteer, not only did I assist with the delivery of Australia’s premier road race but I was provided with an opportunity to work with event management professionals, resulting in a full-time position a year later.”

Current student intern Belinda Pennisi has volunteered at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon every year since 2012 and said the invaluable experience of working on a high profile event alongside professionals was enough to keep her coming back each year.

“I have gained so much knowledge and experience by volunteering as an intern over the past couple of years as well as building lasting friendships with other volunteers and staff,” Ms Pennisi said.

“This year I will be taking on the position of Information Booth Coordinator where I will lead other volunteers in providing important information to visitors and participants.

“Volunteering at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has been very rewarding and I encourage others not to miss out on such a fantastic opportunity to give to the community while developing their own skills and experience.”

Volunteer applications for the 2015 Gold Coast Airport Marathon close Friday 15 May at 5pm (AEST). Click here to apply.