The Gold Coast Airport Marathon
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2010 Gold Coast Airport Marathon
In one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world – the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia - is an event that motivates and challenges tens of thousands of people of all ages and abilities.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has dubbed 2010 as ‘Year of the
Marathon’ to celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of the original
marathon. Back in 490BC, Athenian soldier Pheidippides ran to Athens
from the battlefield of Marathon where the Greek Army had won a crucial
battle against the invading Persian Army. The message read “Rejoice, we
are victorious”.
To celebrate this historic occasion, challenge yourself to run the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
Annual social events such as the Asics Sport & Leisure Expo and Legends Motivational Carbo Lunch ensure participants and supporters maximise their Gold Coast Airport Marathon experience.
Visitors to the Gold Coast can book direct flights into Gold Coast Airport and have a massive choice of accommodation, dining, public transportation and leisure activities.
Visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
History of the Race
In January 1978 the Rotary Club of Surfers Paradise's Community Services Director, John Goldstein, visualised a Marathon Runners Club. A community service project to help the Gold Coast community become fitter, the clinic's aim was to train sedentary non-runners to be able to complete a marathon run within twelve months.
After seeking information from local sources including the National Fitness Council, National Heart Foundation and the Honolulu Marathon Clinic, the first Marathon Clinic was held on April 30, 1978.
By mid 1978, an average of 60 people were attending the marathon clinics. Those who were considered to be marathon prospects were given a special training plan which included extensive daily road training and time trials. It was then decided to go ahead with plans for a 1979 marathon.
After less than eight weeks hard work, the inaugural Gold Coast Marathon was held on September 2nd, 1979. Participating were 124 marathoners, 144 half marathoners and 423 fun runners. Melbourne's Eric Sigmont won the men's marathon in 2:28:44. Mary Murison won the women's race in 2:58:17. As the technical organiser, Dusty Lewis ran the first marathon wearing Runner number 1.