Gold Coast Marathon Legends Club
Runners who have competed in 10 or more Gold Coast Marathons are eligible for the Gold Coast Marathon Legends Club. The Legends Club recognises and honours the achievements of ‘long-running’ Gold Coast Marathon participants.
Inductees have the opportunity to relax post-race in the Legends Clubhouse located at finish corner, purchase a Legends singlet and enjoy a complimentary post-race massage amongst other rewards.
Upcoming Gold Coast Marathon Legends must notify organisers of their eligibility when registering for the 2019 event. For additional details or enquiries contact sportservices@goldcoastevents.com.au.
Meet your legends
Get to know some of the Gold Coast Marathon Legends Club inductees and learn why they love running the Gold Coast Marathon:
Bruce ‘Digger’ Hargreaves
First Gold Coast Marathon
1983
Total runs
18
Most memorable moment and year
The year I ran my fastest marathon ever (2:47:02) in 1989.
Favourite part of the course
The last 1km of the course, which is lined with tents belonging to various running clubs, which creates an atmosphere which is unique in Australian marathons.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It is my ‘home marathon’ and I have treated it as such since moving to south east Queensland in 1983 and local races need supporting.
Antony ‘Antman’ Rickards
First Gold Coast Marathon
2001
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
In 2006, I represented the Victorian State Team and was a member of the winning team with Lee Troop and Rowan Walker.
Favourite part of the course
Around 15 – 25km heading north. It’s a super-fast section of the course!
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Great location and fast, flat course.
Craig ‘Bomber’ Hendry
First Gold Coast Marathon
2003
Total runs
15
Most memorable moment and year
2009. The year of my personal best time of 4:27:32.
Favourite part of the course
Running along the water in Surfers Paradise.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Perfect for tying in a family holiday.
Glen ‘Glendry’ Hendry
First Gold Coast Marathon
2003
Total runs
15
Most memorable moment and year
2009 where I ran my personal best time of 3:28:38.
Favourite part of the course
Running along the water past Surfers Paradise.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Flat, fast and big turn out!
Graeme ‘Macca’ McLennan
First Gold Coast Marathon
1980
Total runs
36
Most memorable moment and year
Every year has been memorable as my dear wife, Tricia has been at the end of every one. One stand out was in 2010 when I overtook a lady at the 41km mark. She was clearly distressed and I said “Come on, you are almost there!” and thought no more about it. After the race the lady and her husband thanked me for the encouragement, I was really touched.
Favourite part of the course
The finish line! And, the last kilometre with all the spectator support.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It’s the place I ran my first marathon, it’s a beautiful place to run. It’s where I have run all my marathons and it is so well organised.
Peter ‘Parrapete’ Fitzgerald
First Gold Coast Marathon
1990
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
Every year, coming over the bridge into the finish straight and hearing the crowd. Knowing then that you have succeeded, feeling the adrenaline rush and becoming emotional.
Favourite part of the course
I always enjoyed the final turnaround at Burleigh Heads, knowing this was the final straight leg. Also, the crowd there always gave runners a rousing cheer-along.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Initially I travelled up to the Gold Coast after running two Melbourne Marathons. I was attracted by the ocean location and warmer climate. The next year (1991) I moved to Tweed Heads with work and the Gold Coast Marathon became part of my DNA, having fallen in love with the event, not to mention trying to achieve a PB which I ultimately did going under 3hr 45m before my fiftieth birthday.
Hema Ekanayake
First Gold Coast Marathon
2006
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
I lost my dad in early 2014 and dedicated the 2014 run to his memory. Amazingly I ended up having the exact same finish time as 2013 which was 4:03:16.
Favourite part of the course
Albatross Avenue as the narrow road allows a good view of the elites running back.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
One thing about the Goldie is you can bank on getting great weather on the day. Each year the crowd support grows, they really do get behind you. A flat course just down the highway is an added bonus.
Joan Darlington
First Gold Coast Marathon
1987
Total runs
20
Most memorable moment and year
I ran my 20th marathon in 2009 and was given number 20 to wear for the race. I ran and walked in the finish chute to the finish line to soak up all the cheering, clapping and high fives. I was then presented with my 20 year memorabilia by Steve Moneghetti. It was a wonderful atmosphere and very emotional.
Favourite part of the course
The course has changed over the years, but the last 5km of the event is always special as you feel a sense of achievement.
Diana ‘Di’ McKenzie
First Gold Coast Marathon
1998
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
My training in 1998 went really well and I wanted to run 6m km pace which I achieved running 4:11 for my first marathon.
Favourite part of the course
Running along Narrowneck.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It’s my home and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
Peter ‘Macca’ McKenzie
First Gold Coast Marathon
1986
Total runs
31
Most memorable moment and year
In 1989 I had a car accident on the way to the start. I was a bit shaken, but ended up running my fastest Gold Coast Marathon in 2hour 59min!
Favourite part of the course
Coming into the finish chute.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Loyalty!
Alison ‘Ali’ Coleman
First Gold Coast Marathon
1980
Total runs
33
Most memorable moment and year
2014. I was the first woman to run 30 Gold Coast Marathons and I just wanted to enjoy the experience with no pressure, so it was a totally enjoyable experience.
Favourite part of the course
Coming up to the finish line and crossing it!
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It’s the best ever, non can compare!
Graeme ‘Kirka’ Kirkpatrick
First Gold Coast Marathon
2001
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
2008 when I ran with my brother.
Favourite part of the course
The last 2km.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Home town support, flat and picturesque.
Christine McDougall
First Gold Coast Marathon
1995
Total runs
10 (plus many halves and a few 10kms)
Most memorable moment and year
My first in 1995. It was the unexpected and was also my first ever marathon.
Favourite part of the course
Once you’ve crossed the bridge with 2km to go.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
I live here.
Parmy Atcheson
First Gold Coast Marathon
2006
Total runs
11
Most memorable moment and year
First and tenth! First, as it was the first time I had ever ran the marathon distance and I shared the last few kilometres of my journey with my son. And the tenth because I achieved my personal goal of running 10 consecutive Gold Coast Marathons and so many friends and family that had joined in my 10 year journey came back to support or run my 10th with me.
Favourite part of the course
Around the 32km marker when we run back past the start/finish area just outside Rays Resort. Each year my children, family and running friends set up a supporters table on the side line with balloons, signs and treats and as I come past they give me lots of cheers. I love seeing their faces!
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Such a well organised event, a beautiful course and it forces me to train during winter.
Christine Jackson
First Gold Coast Marathon
1999
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
2008 when I completed my 10th marathon.
Favourite part of the course
Burleigh Esplanade.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It’s in my hometown. I see lots of friends on the course.
Virginia ‘Ginny’ Salmon
First Gold Coast Marathon
2001
Total runs
17…so far!
Most memorable moment and year
2007. I ran the marathon whilst pregnant with twins (with my doctors consent of course)! My first marathon is equally ranked as most memorable. I think we all know that the sheer joy of finishing such an iconic distance for the very first time can simply never be erased.
Favourite part of the course
Heading towards the 39km mark – you can see the Grand Hotel (almost time for a beer), hear the music blasting and you know that no matter how much yo are hurting you WILL finish!
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Why not? Great course and atmosphere. What more could you ask for?!
Richard Willis
First Gold Coast Marathon
1991
Total runs
14
Most memorable moment and year
2004. I ran my Gold Coast Marathon personal best time of 3h 12min while only aiming for a 3h 30min finish.
Favourite part of the course
The first out and back section.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It’s well organised, flat and close to Armidale.
Suzy Smith
First Gold Coast Marathon
1998
Total runs
10
Most memorable moment and year
Finishing my 10th Gold Coast Marathon in 2014
Favourite part of the course
Running the last 2km of the race and heading towards the finish line
Why do you run Gold Coast?
Love the scenery and the great atmospheres and the crowd support
Geoff ‘GG’ Williams
First Gold Coast Marathon
1988
Total runs
29
Most memorable moment and year
My first Gold Coast Marathon in 1988
Favourite part of the course
Always crossing the finishing line and seeing my mates at turns.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
It’s close & convenient. I’ve been doing it for so long, I have come to know the ropes.
Kevin Wild
First Gold Coast Marathon
1993
Total runs
20
Most memorable moment and year
They have all been great. The bit I like is the last 195 metres of the course.
Favourite part of the course
The last km where there are lots of people cheering you on and then with about 200metes to go you see the finish line.
Why do you run Gold Coast?
The course is flat and very scenic and it has also been a great family holiday destination over the years.
How many years do you have left in the legs?
Hope to do 6 more marathons and will then have ran 100 marathons.
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