FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gold Coast Airport Marathon and Queensland Representatives Shine in Japan

Gold Coast Airport Marathon and Queensland representatives Patrick Nispel
and Deb Nicholl achieved exceptional results at the 19th annual Senshu
International City Marathon in Osaka, Japan on Sunday (19 February 2012).

Running in only his second career marathon to date, Nispel from The Gap in
Brisbane clocked an impressive 2:26:33 and placed third male overall and
second in the non-registered category.

While Deb Nicholl from Kangaroo Point in Brisbane clocked 2:58:30 and
placed fifth female overall and second in the non-registered category,
finishing a close six seconds behind the front runner in the same category.

Despite battling a string of injuries throughout the lead up to the Senshu
Marathon as well as running marginally slower than their 2011 Gold Coast
Airport Marathon efforts, both runners were extremely proud of their
results.

"I ran well up to the 19km mark and was on target to break 2:55:00, and
then I struggled for quite a few kilometres with my injury, but ran a
really great last 12 kilometres" said Nicholl.

"I'm stoked with my result, especially after the last few months of
injuries that have kept me off the roads and had me aqua jogging for
months.

"I missed the first place non-registered female prize by six seconds so
that was disappointing, but I'm really happy to be honest.

"Patrick had a few troubles with his ankle but he still managed a brilliant
time. I think he should be extremely proud of his result, especially after
setting the bar high at the 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon."

Patrick was awarded the opportunity to run the event after being crowned
the Queensland Marathon champion at the 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon,
while Deb came second in her field and was offered the position after
champion Roxie Fraser was unable to attend.

The two athletes flew Jetstar StarClass from the Gold Coast to Osaka which
has become an annual prize of the sister marathon relationship forged
between the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and the Senshu Marathon since 2002.

The Senshu International City Marathon will now send its leading Japanese
male and female marathon runners as part of a larger group of runners and
officials to the Gold Coast for the 34th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon
to be held on 30 June – 1 July 2012.

For more information please visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

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