Cash boost for Port’s world-class marathon festival
FUNDING INCREASE
THE Tropical Journeys Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival has received a welcome cash injection with the Douglas Shire Council announcing its increased support with a $20,000 cash sponsorship and $10,000 in-kind each year for the next three years.
The festival is being held in Port Douglas on Sunday October 22 and will again be headlined by Olympic marathon champion Steve Moneghetti, who has dubbed this 'the world’s best adventure course'.
Reacting to the funding increase, festival director Bruno Bennett said that the Marathon Festival team was absolutely thrilled with the announcement.
“This is the culmination of many years of hard work by a dedicated group. The 2017 event will be our seventh and over this time, the support from our sponsors including Tropical Journeys, Tourism and Events Queensland, James Cook University, Sheraton Grand Mirage, Douglas Shire Council, The Reef Marina, PORT DOUGLAS magazine, Cairns Airport and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree has been outstanding,” said Bennett.
“The amazing thing about the Douglas Marathon Festival is that we live in a perfect athletes’ village. Fly into Cairns Airport; experience an amazing drive along the Captain Cook Highway; enjoy incredible accommodation options; and a brilliant course which includes the world famous Bump Track.
“Then, throw in perfect weather, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – why wouldn’t you come to Port Douglas, to run this event and stay on in paradise?” said Bennett.
The Marathon Festival offers a number of options for the participants: 42.195km Steve Moneghetti Adventure Marathon; 21.095km Sheraton Mirage Resort Half Marathon; 10km Newsport Daily; 5km Calypso Fun Run; and the 2.3km Junior Challenge.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said The Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival has evolved into a unique event.
“The number of participants has increased significantly, as people experience the benefits of a growing sports tourism focus and an active healthy lifestyle.
“Council recognises the significant economic value of these type of events which can be capitalised on by locals and visitors alike,” she said.
From the first Marathon festival held in 2011 with 570 participants, the event has grown to over 2,000 runners with 2,300 expected for this year's event.
It has been estimated that $2.1 million dollars was injected into the Douglas Shire in 2016 with many participants travelling with family and combining their passion for running with a holiday in Port Douglas.
The other benefits for the region include the promotion of healthy lifestyles and a unique opportunity for regional destination marketing.
Discounts are available online through the Festival’s accommodation partners, airport transfers, reef and rainforest tours as well as the current Early Bird discount of 25% valid until August 31 2017.
For more information visit www.greatbarrierreefmarathon.com.au
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