Organisers are celebrating the success of Sunday's 2013 CANEGROWERS Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival, with Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti signing on as ambassador for another three years. 

"We're very happy," said event spokesperson Sam Cullen, "we had over 1000 participants involved in the Festival's event, no injuries, and around 2000 room nights for Port Douglas accommodation providers."

"It's a great economic boost for the region for this time of the year."

Arguably the biggest sporting event on the local calendar, the GBR Marathon Festival offered six events ranging from 2.5km to 74km, catering for the novice, weekend warrior, and seasoned athlete.

Event ambassador Moneghetti comfortably took first place in the 42km Steve Moneghetti Marathon. Full results available here.

Runners and organisers alike battled the windy conditions and intermittent wet weather throughout the morning, with high tide turning sections of Four Mile Beach into an obstacle course.

On the beach, runners were forced to traverse kilometres of soft sand and pebbles, fallen flora, and rain-induced rivers, though some welcomed the heavy rain in place of heat and humidity.

Addressing post-race feedback, Mr Cullen stressed the day's events comprised an adventure marathon festival, with a variety of unique and very challenging courses.

"The GBR Marathon Festival, like few others of its kind worldwide - in particular,the Great Wall of China Marathon - are personal achievement marathons, delivering an array of challenges for runners to overcome.

"Although not necessarily intended, the soft sand beach section of the course  is a testament to runners' amazing ability to conquer Australia's – indeed, one of the world's - toughest courses."

GBR Marathon Marketing Manager Jess Coleman said 2014 courses will be adapted "to ensure no one is running through water."

"Athletes should be very proud of themselves, and full bragging rights should be taken advantage of when discussing with virgin GBR Marathoners!"

The 2014 CANEGROWERS Great Barrier Reef Marathon Adventure Festival will be held on November 9, 2014. Registration will open for the 2014 Festival on November 9, 2013. Until December 10, 2013 participants can receive 20 per cent off their race entry fee.

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