MARATHON PREPARATIONS RACING AHEAD

THE Gold Coast’s most famous mass participation event is expecting a record crowd in 2011 and again the city’s business community is rallying behind the effort.

Ahead of the Gold Coast Marathon next month, physiotherapist practice Back In Motion Mermaid Waters is hosting a series of running workshops to lessen the risk of injury to participants.

Queensland area director Brad Beer (pictured) will lead the sessions, which cover what constitutes good running technique; the formula for best running; how to run more efficiently and avoid fatigue; and significantly reducing injury risk.

“We recognised a need for more information for runners from all levels, from recreational through to the elite,” says Beer.

“Being a runner myself as well as a physiotherapist, I understand first-hand how poor running technique can lead to frustrating injuries. Also, a great side effect to running properly is that you run faster.

“These workshops can turn around even the most entrenched bad habits and have been very popular. There’s never a spare spot so we’re considering hosting them permanently, but first we’re looking forward to the Marathon.”

The two-hour Back In Motion Mermaid Waters workshops take place at the practice’s Q Super Centre premises on June 8 and 15.

Internet service provider OntheNet has also returned as a sponsor of the Gold Coast Marathon. Using its VStrata virtual private server technology, the Varsity Lakes IT company has set up an innovative system that tracks runners’ progress via ID devices on their shoelaces.

VStrata is also hosting the ‘run with me’ social networking initiative set up and promoted by sports footwear giant ASICS.

OntheNet managing director Tak Woo, says the company is ‘proud to have been sponsors of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon for many years’.

The city’s tourism chiefs are forecasting a strong period for accommodation and inbound flight arrivals during the Gold Coast Airport Marathon period.

Events Queensland Gold Coast general manager Cameron Hart, says early indicators show a record of more than 25,000 runners is on track.

“Last year we had 23,812 participants so the goal this year is to put on the best running event in Australia for 25,000-plus runners,” says Hart.

“An important statistic for the tourism industry was more than 18,500 of last year’s runners came from outside of the Gold Coast including 5609 from interstate and 2129 from overseas. These runners also brought more than 24,000 visitors with them.

“There wouldn’t be too many events in Australia that can bring visitors into a city like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon can do.”

This year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon features several races across July 2-3, including the 42.2km Gold Coast Airport Marathon on day two.

More info at: backinmotion.com.au and goldcoastmarathon.com.au