FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
40th Gold Coast Marathon attracts record international entries
Tuesday 19 June
A record number of runners from overseas will arrive in Queensland next
week for the 40th Gold Coast Marathon, Minister for Tourism and Major
Events Kate Jones announced today.
With still over a week remaining until entries close, over 4,000 runners
from 46 overseas countries have registered for the event to be held on 30
June - 1 July 2018.
"To have a record number of runners visiting from overseas is a testament
to the standard of events we have on the Gold Coast," Ms Jones said.
"Events like the IAAF Gold Label Gold Coast Marathon showcase the region to
international visitors and provide an opportunity to participate in a
world-class event in one of the most sought-after tourism destinations on
the planet.
"Interest in this event is at fever pitch, with the 42km race sold out and
other races selling quickly. We expect to attract more than 7500
international competitors including family and supporters - this will give
the Gold Coast tourism industry a great boost.
"With a late surge of entries anticipated, the event is expecting to
generate more than 90,000 visitor nights and up to $27 million - a record
economic impact.
"This is another great legacy of the Commonwealth Games."
Ms Jones highlighted the record number of entries from Greater China and
South East Asia as major contributing factors to the overall unparalleled
international numbers.
"The appeal of this event to runners from China is at an all-time high,
luring more than double the number of entries last year," Ms Jones said.
"We had one participant from China in 2010 and we have well over 500 this
year. Record participation in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia also shows
the appeal of this event in Asia.
"Best-ever numbers are also coming from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, while
Japan continues to provide the most number of visiting international
runners.
"It's highly likely New Zealand will reach a record number this year too."
Ms Jones said the global media exposure of the Gold Coast Marathon has
contributed to the increased profile of the event and the Gold Coast.
The 2017 television highlights program was broadcast to an estimated two
billion viewers resulting in significant international exposure.
"Television coverage of the Gold Coast Marathon last year generated 1700
hours of air time with a potential reach into 900 million households across
93 countries," Ms Jones said.
"In addition, the live stream of the Gold Coast Marathon is available
around the world, complementing the significant global audience engaged on
social media.
"Not only are media partnerships raising the profile of the marathon but
also of the Gold Coast as a destination for major events.
"We will also host more than 50 media representatives from Japan, greater
China and southeast Asia this year."
The Gold Coast Marathon is organised by Events Management Queensland, a
major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government as
part of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Events Management Queensland Chairman Kerry Watson said he is delighted
with the growing international interest in the Gold Coast Marathon.
"Targeted long-term marketing strategies in collaboration with Tourism and
Events Queensland, Gold Coast Airport, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast
Tourism and major sponsors have resulted in unprecedented participation
numbers from overseas markets," Mr Watson said.
"The growth we are seeing today is based on the platform we've laid for
even more visitors to come and experience the Gold Coast Marathon both this
year and in future years.
"Our strategies, combined with the celebratory occasion of the 40th
edition, as well as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games have attracted
significant attention to this destination, and we plan to ensure the Gold
Coast Marathon adds value to that focus on the Gold Coast for many years to
come."
This 40th annual Gold Coast Marathon will be held on Saturday 30 June and
Sunday 1 July.
Entries for all races on the program close on Friday 29 June.
Overseas countries ranked by participants
1. Japan
2. China*
3. Hong Kong*
4. New Zealand
5. Singapore *
6. Taiwan*
7. Malaysia*
8. USA
9. Indonesia*
10. Macau*
*indicates a record number in 2018
Percentage growth on last year
- Macau +127%
- China +125%
- Indonesia +91%
- Malaysia +82%
- Hong Kong +69%
- New Zealand +26%
- Taiwan +21%
- Japan +18%
- Singapore +2%
The 40th edition Gold Coast Marathon will feature eight races including the
Gold Coast Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair
15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport Fun Run,
Garmin 4km Junior Dash and Garmin 2km Junior Dash.
Visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au for more information.
###
|
