Local sports radio show anchor, and Douglas Heat Basketball President Nick 'Nicky G' Gibson yesterday (Thursday) flew out with wife Jodi to conquer his next challenge.

After last years sensational win of a trip for two to the Great Wall of China Marathon the Gibson's have been training tirelessly for this world famous race.

The prize won by Tropica Entertainment owner Nicky 'G' was part of a sponsorship lucky draw competition provided by the organizers of last years phenomenal Solar Eclipse Marathon.

The Gibsons will stay 5 nights in Beijing and compete with over 2,000 international runners in the grueling yet spectacular course.

It was this same race that Canegrowers Great Barrier Reef Marathon organizers Bruno Bennett and Sam Cullen travelled participated in back in 2010. It was this race and its enormous reputation and success that brought about the idea to hold the GBR Marathon right here in Port Douglas.

Like the Canegrowers Great Barrier Reef Marathon the Great Wall Marathon is no cup of tea, stroll in the park for competitors. Runners challenge themselves in this event every year, it is the ultimate personal test and those who come away with a medal know they have achieved something really significant in their lives.

Originally Nick signed himself up for the Half Marathon and Jodi the 10km. However after a successful training regime The Newsport is delighted to be able to report that the two have upgraded their events to the full Marathon and Half Marathon respectively.

Nick says he will be flying the flag for his home town event while he's in China. Many of the competitors will be aware of the Port Douglas Marathon due to last years event when over 400 Adventure Marathon and Great Wall of China competitors from Europe competed in the unique 2012 Solar Eclipse Marathon held around and in Port Douglas.

Entries for this years Canegrowers Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival are open with local and earlybird entries available until July 1. For full details visit http://www.greatbarrierreefmarathon.com.au/