Scene Set for Spectacular GC2018 Marathon

A fast, flat and picturesque course was today announced for the marathon at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) which is set to provide a fitting community finale to the Games.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie AC today unveiled the 42.195km road course for the marathon from the southern turn at Burleigh Heads.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GC2018 MARATHON VIDEO COURSE GUIDE

Mr Beattie said the marathon, presented by Griffith University, would provide an engaging experience for the community and visitors on the final day of GC2018 competition, Sunday 15 April 2018.

The course will enable fans to get up close to the action from Runaway Bay in the north to Burleigh Heads in the south.

Starting and finishing at the Southport Broadwater Parklands, the course will take runners and wheelchair athletes to a northern turn (4.4km) at Runaway Bay, on a flat and scenic route to a southern turn (25.3km) at Burleigh Heads, before an exciting final stretch back to Southport for the finish.

The wheelchair marathon, which will be held for the first time ever at a Commonwealth Games, will start at 6:10am, with the women’s marathon at 7:20am and men’s marathon at 8:15am.

As one of the free events on the GC2018 program, fans will be able to line the course and create a memorable atmosphere for the athletes on the final day of competition.

Three Australian athletes aiming to be on the start line in April 2018 - Kurt Fearnley OAM, Michael Shelley and Jessica Trengove - attended the announcement today and gave their tick of approval for the course.

A comprehensive public awareness program called Get Set for the Games is being rolled out to ensure residents and businesses know how they can access certain areas at Games time.

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC:

"We are delighted to be able to deliver a spectacular course for the marathon which is one of the iconic events in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

"The marathon course is not only flat and conducive to fast racing, it is one of the most picturesque in the world and will showcase the Gold Coast to a global audience of 1.5 billion people."

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters:

"The marathon will provide a great opportunity for the whole community to witness and celebrate sport at its finest at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"The wheelchair marathon will be staged for the first time at a Commonwealth Games, adding to what will be an exciting program of road races on the final morning of the Games.

"The atmosphere and colour generated from a big crowd along the course will contribute to a memorable finale to the Games."

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones:

"Spectators will be spoilt for choice for free viewing positions along the course from Runaway Bay to Burleigh Heads.

"There are 42 kilometres of vantage points to witness these amazing endurance athletes in action on one of the most scenic courses in the world."

GC2018 Ambassador and Australian wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley OAM:

"The wheelchair marathon at these Games presents a first for me as an athlete – in all my years racing around the world this is the first time I get to share the same stage with my able bodied peers whilst racing in the green and gold for Australia. I love the opportunity of being able to start this race just moments before the able bodied runners.

"It’s been great to see the course developed from grassroots as well as the amount of work that goes in behind the scenes to make this marathon a reality.

"I’m in a privileged position as part of the GC2018 Sport and Technical Committee and am now even more excited to get on that starting line."

GC2018 Athletics Technical Delegate (appointed by the IAAF) Bill Bailey:

"The course has been designed to IAAF specification and modelled on the annual Gold Coast Marathon which is rated one of the best in the world.

"In planning the marathon, the organisers have had the needs of the athletes as their first priority.

"As a consequence, I am absolutely convinced that the course itself, together with all of the associated facilities and arrangements, will provide the athletes with the best possible opportunity to compete to the best of their abilities."

Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University, Marathon Presenting Partner Professor Ian O’Connor AC:

"As presenting partner of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Marathon, a genuine community event, Griffith University is demonstrating its commitment to the Gold Coast community.

"The Games represent a watershed moment which will be transformative for the Gold Coast and as one of the leading institutions on the Coast, Griffith University is honoured to be an integral part of that process."

Scottish marathon runner Callum Hawkins:

"I’ll go to Australia to compete at the Commonwealth Games. I’d rather have medals over times. They mean more, they stick longer."

ENDS

For more information on the GC2018 Marathon, visit gc2018.com/venue/southport-broadwater-parklands

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will be held from 4-15 April 2018.

For more information, please email media@goldoc.com or contact:

Adam Gardini: +61 402 487 575

Communications and Media Lead

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

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