Sponsors of the 2012 Solar Eclipse Marathon braved a wet and blustery evening at the Port Douglas Marina on Monday to celebrate the running of the one-off event.

The sponsors, business people whose companies range from small, local operations, through to race naming rights sponsor the multi-billion dollar CANEGROWERS Australia, were joined by race ambassador Steve Moneghetti before heading off for a Sailaway sunset cruise with a difference along Dickson Inlet.

CANEGROWERS' communications manager Suzi Moore said their support of the Solar Eclipse Marathon and upcoming Great Barrier Reef Marathon events was recognition of the progress their farmers have made in helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

"It has a natural synergy for us because we have done an awful lot of work along the Reef. About 20 years ago we had a lot of heat from the way we farmed and how the run off was damaging the reef," Ms Moore said.

"But the farming community has overhauled their practices and this is celebrating our wins. We're getting to tell the community how far we've come.

"We've done a massive amount of work through the Federal Government’s Reef Rescue program, and we're pushing the Government really hard at the moment to continue that work," she said.

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Adding to the excitement of the evening, Tropica Entertainment's Nick Gibson won an all-expenses-paid trip to China thanks to Solar Eclipse Marathon event owners Albatross Travel.

Albatross Travel offer adventure marathon experiences across the globe including one on the Great Wall of China, a challenge Nick said he would take up.

"I'll knock over the half marathon no worries," he said "But I'm looking into hiring a helicopter to help (wife) Jodi with the last 19.5 kilometres.

"It'll be my birthday the day after so I might be ready two sample a Chinese beer or 200."

The Solar Eclipse Marathon has attracted 350 international runners to the region.