The Gold Coast Airport Marathon 2011 is Arising Soon Enough

Saturday 2 July 2011 to Sunday 3 July 2011

The 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon is once more to be hosted at probably the most sought after of holiday destinations in Australia and in the world. Staged annually on the first weekend in July, this year the 33rd Gold Coast Airport Marathon is set to motivate and challenge around 25,000 people.

The hospitable flat terrain and mild winter temperatures make it a runner's favourite. The 42.195km race takes in the city's stunning coastline, starting at the Southport Broadwater Parklands and venturing to a southern turnaround at Burleigh Heads. The race attracts runners of all levels and motivation - wheelchairs, fancy dress, family groups, professional athletes and the somewhat out-of-shape all take part.

The first Gold Coast marathon was staged in 1979 with 691 runners. By 2009, this had escalated to a spectacular 23,398 entrants across all events, with more than 5500 entrants from interstate and nearly 2000 from abroad.

This year there will be a Marathon, a Half Marathon, a 10km Run, a 5km Challenge and Junior Dash races over 4km and 2km for youngsters. Runners no doubt look forward to the magnificent running conditions on the Gold Coast in winter, as well as the flat, fast and beautiful course that runs alongside the Pacific Ocean surf beaches and Broadwater.

In 2011 the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will attract a quality field of elite runners pursuing a slice of the glory and the large prize money pool and the various championships on offer. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is officially accredited by Athletics Australia and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Thousands of spectators cheer the runner’s home with musicians and entertainers around the course creating an amazing atmosphere called ‘Runspiration’. Before the event, runners can check out the Asics Sport & Leisure Expo at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and buy a ticket to the Legends Motivational Carbo Lunch annually attended by Australian running legends such as Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti and Lee Troop.

Entries for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon open in April 2011 but you can set your own personal challenge now. Start your training and fundraising today, by building your own page on the official website. This is also a great way to nominate your preferred charity. Run for a charity of your choice or run for the official charity of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon - Cancer Council Queensland. Just about everyone has been touched by this illness some way and by running the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, you can achieve your own personal goal and raise funds for cancer research at the same time.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon 2011 is set to once again be a hugely popular event and the popular Gold Coast accommodation options often book out early. It is strongly advised to book your Gold Coast hotel, motel, resort or apartment now so that you can focus on your training.

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