The Gold Coast Airport Marathon on 4th July 2010 was the 32nd edition of the biggest marathon in Australia. The marathon actually took place on a 21 km route stretching from Runaway Bay in the north to Burleigh Heads in the south, some 11 km from the airport. The name 'Airport' probably refers to the sponsorship. It is a winter sports event under temperatures between 10 to 17 degrees.The main venue is Southport next to the Aquatic Centre. The full marathon led south to Surfers Paradise, onto Broadbeach and thereon, a U turn at Burleigh Heights, doubled back to the venue area, and headed northwards to Runaway Bay for another U turn back to the event venue for the finish. The route is almost totally flat passing by scenic beaches, condos, hotels and residential places. There were about six or more musical groups set up all along the 42 km course providing entertainment to relieve the fatigue and monotony of the long run. Young toddlers were at the side of the streets with outstretched hands giving low fives to runners. Amid the cheers and applause of spectators, I can hear my name being called out numerous times. This was happening because runners' names were printed on their bibs. This is one of the special feature of this event. The windiest and coolest part occurred at the final two kilometres. On finishing the marathon, something that I've never experienced before happened. My vest and clothes were completely dry.
The next morning another amazing thing happened. All the names of finishers and qualifiers of all the categories with our placing, gun & net time and category placing were published in a special 64 page supplement in the Gold Coast Bulletin. All 21,508 of us.
There were 5023 entrants for the full marathon and according to the reports, 496 did not finish or complete within the 6 hrs 30 min time limit. Despite cutting down 20 minutes from my PB of 4 hrs 37 min, still I only managed to be placed 2701, i.e. bottom 41%. In view of this, I must say that the standard here is very high compared to where I came from.
The marathon was very well organized. This was the first time it was held over Saturday and Sunday. For next year's event, the organisers are planning a week long carnival. Everything was so perfect especially the left luggage which saw absolutely no queue.
This is a very expensive marathon for Malaysians costing about RM390 for registration fees and with that exorbitant price, you don't even get an event running vest. The T-shirt size stated in the registration is for the finisher T-shirt. Since no running vest was provided, there was totally no uniformity at all, making it a very colourful cross section of runners on that event day. This is actually a good idea. From my experience, I find that usually participants do not like to wear the same vest like everybody else. So it will be a great waste too to supply them. Another thing - finishers' certificate has to be downloaded from the website and printed on your own.
I'd like to go again next year in the first weekend of July 2011 but I don't think I want to spend that much on something or some place that I've done or been before. For those who really want to do a PB, then this is the place for it. The cool weather, flat terrain and the competition will be enough for you to achieve that.
The next morning another amazing thing happened. All the names of finishers and qualifiers of all the categories with our placing, gun & net time and category placing were published in a special 64 page supplement in the Gold Coast Bulletin. All 21,508 of us.
There were 5023 entrants for the full marathon and according to the reports, 496 did not finish or complete within the 6 hrs 30 min time limit. Despite cutting down 20 minutes from my PB of 4 hrs 37 min, still I only managed to be placed 2701, i.e. bottom 41%. In view of this, I must say that the standard here is very high compared to where I came from.
The marathon was very well organized. This was the first time it was held over Saturday and Sunday. For next year's event, the organisers are planning a week long carnival. Everything was so perfect especially the left luggage which saw absolutely no queue.
This is a very expensive marathon for Malaysians costing about RM390 for registration fees and with that exorbitant price, you don't even get an event running vest. The T-shirt size stated in the registration is for the finisher T-shirt. Since no running vest was provided, there was totally no uniformity at all, making it a very colourful cross section of runners on that event day. This is actually a good idea. From my experience, I find that usually participants do not like to wear the same vest like everybody else. So it will be a great waste too to supply them. Another thing - finishers' certificate has to be downloaded from the website and printed on your own.
I'd like to go again next year in the first weekend of July 2011 but I don't think I want to spend that much on something or some place that I've done or been before. For those who really want to do a PB, then this is the place for it. The cool weather, flat terrain and the competition will be enough for you to achieve that.
