There is just five days left before the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival and registrations have accelerated with almost 500 people signed up to take part in the event.

300 runners will join the Australian sporting legend, Steve Moneghetti, in the 21km event alone, while dozens more have committed to the gruelling 74km ultra-marathon from Cairns to Port Douglas.
 
"Steve looks to have a fight on his hands with Port's Nick Carling up for the challenge," said Port Douglas Event Management's Bruno Bennett who added that interest in the event has come from all over the world.

"We have international runners competing from New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Germany, Denmark, USA, UK and Spain and Aussies coming from all states."

For those who have had little time to prepare, you can still join in the 10km fun run or the "Fundy 5000", a charity event with proceeds going to KIND and the special Evie Shaw project.

"Evie will be signalling the start for all competitors," Mr Bennett said.

If you're not taking part in the running action, Festival organisers are needing volunteers to help with the success of the event which takes place on the morning of Saturday 12 November.

The Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival is seen as the perfect lead in event for the 2012 Solar Eclipse Marathon, where an estimated 3000 runners from around the world will converge on Port Douglas to witness one rare event, and to participate in another.

300 'race only' entries are being set aside for running club members in North Queensland for the Solar Eclipse Marathon.

For information about the Festival you can visit the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival website. 

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