CANEGROWERS Australia, in association with Port Douglas Event Management (PDEM), has announced that they have signed on to become the official and exclusive naming rights sponsor for the 2012 Solar Eclipse Adventure Marathon and the Great Barrier Reef Marathons for 2013 and 2014.

CANEGROWERS CEO Steve Greenwood said CANEGROWERS was proud to claim the naming rights for this prestigious event over the next three years. 

“We understand that it is a great time for our agricultural community to step up and support the tourism industry and local communities in these difficult times. These innovative and exclusive events scheduled for November each year are the perfect fit.”
 
Bruno Bennett, Business Manager for PDEM, welcomed the CANEGROWERS commitment.

“The Solar Eclipse Marathon, timed to start as the first rays of the sun reappear from behind the Moon in the early morning of November 14th, is the first of three adventure marathons planned for this quieter time of the year to help boost visitation to the area.

“With the help of the CANEGROWERS the aim of creating a major annual event for our region has now been assured.”

Pictured: PDEM Managing Director Sam Cullen announces the sponsorship deal at Rex Smeal Park, the finish line for the Solar Eclipse Marathon.

The Australian sugarcane industry is the third largest supplier of raw sugar onto the world market, with some 80% of Australia’s production destined offshore.

The industry, worth up to $2.5 billion to the Australian economy, is made up of some 6,000 cane growers and 24 mills. CANEGROWERS is the peak body representing 80% of Australia’s sugarcane growers with a history dating back to 1925.

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Just like the marathons that will now carry the CANEGROWERS name, this significant organisation has local, state, national and international reach.

Marathon Ambassador Steve Moneghetti added his plaudits to the announcement saying what a coup it was for this annual event to be associated with CANEGROWERS. 

“The sugar industry is such a large part of Queensland’s life and it’s an industry which has been making its own marathon effort into protecting the iconic Great Barrier Reef. 

"Few people know the Australian cane growing sector is viewed as one of the most progressive in the world.  It’s an industry which has woven itself through the development of coastal townships up and down the coast, making CANEGROWERS support of this event such a great fit.

“And on a lighter note, let’s face it, when I run marathons I really need my sugar!”

To find out more about the events visit the Solar Eclipse Marathon website or Great Barrier Reef Marathon website.