FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gold Coast Marathon pumps $28.5 million into economy
The 40th edition of the Gold Coast Marathon generated a record-breaking
$28.5 million and more than 100,000 visitor nights for the Queensland
economy.
New data shows the event also attracted more than 27,000 participants
including more than 6,500 in the sold-out signature marathon event.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Marathon recorded
its biggest international field of all time this year with more than 4,300
runners from 51 countries competing over the weekend.
Ms Jones revealed the Gold Coast Marathon drew a total attendance of more
than 60,000 people including 47,000 visitors to the Gold Coast - a 13 per
cent increase on last year.
"This is another great legacy of the Commonwealth Games - more than 1.5
billion people around the world tuned into this event and that's been
reflected in the strong growth we've seen at this year's Marathon," she
said.
"These figures are a testament to the value of major events for our
economy. We're investing in major events to grow this sector and create
tourism jobs on the Gold Coast.
"The Marathon was the first major sporting event on the Gold Coast after
the Games and gave runners the chance to run parts of the Commonwealth
Games course. The feedback we've received showed this was added incentive
for international athletes.
"The Palaszczuk Government is investing an extra $36 million in major
events in this term of government.
"We're working hard to capitalise on the success of the Commonwealth Games.
Today's announcement just goes to show that our strategy is working."
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven
Meaghan Scanlon said the 40th edition of the Gold Coast Marathon helped to
stamp the city's authority as a hub for major sporting events.
"The Gold Coast Marathon is one of the most iconic running events on the
planet," she said.
"These figures prove the value of Commonwealth Games when it comes to
raising the city's profile as a destination for major sporting events.
"Events like this are vital to creating more business for locals. That's
why we invest heavily in major events on the Coast.
"What's even more exciting is the potential for growth in the future."
The Gold Coast Marathon is run by Events Management Queensland (EMQ), a
subsidiary of Tourism and Events Queensland.
EMQ Chairman Kerry Watson said the marathon's positive social and economic
impact confirmed its status as a world-class international sporting event
which is enjoying the benefits of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
"This year's extraordinary growth in visitors has been the result of
long-term marketing strategies with Tourism and Events Queensland,
Destination Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, ASICS, Gold Coast Airport and
other sponsors," Mr Watson said.
"These valuable partnerships, in conjunction with the attractiveness of the
40th anniversary, helped us deliver an unforgettable experience to
thousands from around the globe and cemented our position as Oceania's
leading marathon.
"The redevelopment of the Broadwater Parklands to create a leading event
space has been a boon for the marathon, as has the facilities at the
upgraded Gold Coast Aquatic Centre which are utilised by our athletes for
race preparation and recovery.
"A number of elite athletes have described these facilities as the best
they have experienced throughout the world, which is a feather in the cap
for the Commonwealth Games."
City of Gold Coast Mayor Cr Tom Tate commended the rise in economic impact
and indicated the importance of major sporting events to the city's growth
and prosperity.
"Since 1979, the Gold Coast Marathon has attracted people of all ages and
abilities from around the world, so it is no surprise to me that our
marathon is breaking records year after year," said Mayor Tate.
"Partnerships pay dividends and our relationship with the State, and
Tourism Events Queensland, is the best it has ever been."
The 41st Gold Coast Marathon will be held 6-7 July 2019. Entries will open
in late 2018.
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.
Visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au.
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