FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American distance running legends Ryan and Sara Hall to Run Gold Coast
Two of the world's most accomplished and recognised elite distance runners,
Americans Ryan and Sara Hall, were today announced as ambassadors for this
year's Gold Coast Airport Marathon (4 – 5 July) held on the Gold Coast in
Queensland, Australia.
Ryan, the fastest American over the marathon distance (2:04:58), American
half marathon record holder (59:43) and two-time marathon Olympian and his
wife Sara, a US National Cross Country champion and Pan-American Games
steeplechase gold medallist, will join 150-plus fellow Americans in the
estimated 3,000 international running contingent at Australia's leading
marathon.
Gold Coast Airport Marathon CEO Cameron Hart said the announcement of the
Californian couple as ambassadors of the internationally acclaimed marathon
was an exciting addition to this year's event.
"We're thrilled to have Ryan and Sara, two of America's greatest modern-day
distance runners whose decorated careers have inspired thousands around the
world to take up running, on board as ambassadors for this year's Gold
Coast Airport Marathon," Mr Hart said.
"Both athletes have a significant global following, due to their distance
running and philanthropy, and their presence as ambassadors will
significantly boost our international audience.
"Participants from around the globe attending this year's event will have
plenty of opportunities to see and potentially meet the popular couple.
Their role as ambassadors includes attending the elite athlete media
conference, speaking at the Garmin Legends Lunch and guest commentating the
live webcast.
"Sara, who made her marathon debut earlier this year at the ASICS LA
Marathon, will also experience the renowned flat and fast Gold Coast course
as a competitor in the ASICS Half Marathon with her hopes set on a podium
finish.
"Their presence will add further interest to our international broadcast
which last year reached 851 million homes in 108 countries."
Ryan and Sara said they were excited to be involved with the Gold Coast
Airport Marathon as ambassadors, especially as it will be their first time
visiting the country despite having a long family history with the nation.
"We're really looking forward to being a part of Australia's premier road
race as official ambassadors and I'm particularly thrilled to race in the
ASICS Half Marathon," Sara said.
"I've heard so much about the flat, fast and scenic course from other
international runners. I'm sure a great course like this will help me post
a fast time and hopefully a top three finish.
"We have a close connection to Australia as Ryan's parents lived there for
two years and his brother was also born there. It's somewhere he has wanted
to visit for a long time but never had the opportunity until now."
About Ryan Hall
Fastest American over the marathon distance (2:04:58, Boston 2011)
American half marathon record holder and first American to have broken an
hour for the half marathon (59:43, Houston 2007)
Two-time marathon Olympian (2008 & 2012)
Second-fastest American in history on a record-eligible course (2:06:17,
London 2008)
American record for fastest debut marathon (2:08:24, London 2007)
1st place US Olympic Team Trials Marathon (2:09:02, New York City 2007)
About Sara Hall
US National Cross Country champion (Missouri 2012)
Pan-American Games steeplechase gold medallist (10:03, Mexico 2011)
Three-time World Indoor Track and Field Championships representative
US National Road Mile Champion (2011)
20th overall and 1st American at the World Cross Country Championships
(China 2015)
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5
July in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world in
Queensland, Australia.
It is set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and
abilities across a number of events including the Gold Coast Airport
Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km,
Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and Junior
Dash 4km & 2km races.
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