FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gold Coast Airport Marathon Runners Raise More Than $470,000 for Charity

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon provided participants the vehicle to raise
a record-breaking $472,592 for various charities close to their hearts as
well as the event's official charity, Cancer Council Queensland.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and Commonwealth Games,
Jann Stuckey, said the amount raised was a fantastic achievement.

"It's great to see so many runners using the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as
an avenue to contribute much-needed funds and promote various charities
which will make a difference to the lives of many," said Ms Stuckey.

"Events like this not only provide people with an opportunity to be
involved in active and healthy lifestyles but to also give back to the
community.

"The Newman Government understands the economic and social benefit the Gold
Coast Airport Marathon brings and that is why we are investing in this as
we work towards our goal to establish Queensland as Australia's number one
tourism destination."

For the seventh year in a row the event's official charity Cancer Council
Queensland has raised more than $80,000.

Cancer Council Queensland Business Development Manager Vicki James said the
money would assist more than 23,000 Queenslanders who are diagnosed with
cancer each year.

"Since our association with the event we have helped raise more than
$250,000 which goes towards vital cancer research, services and practical
support for all Queenslanders affected by cancer," Ms James said.

"At least one in three cancer cases is preventable and our relationship
with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon perfectly aligns with our cancer
prevention messages of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and partaking in
physical activity."

Participants were encouraged to dedicate their run to a charity of their
choice through the Everyday Hero website resulting in a record-breaking
$459,315 raised, surpassing last year's total by $150,000.

The highest individual fundraiser was Maria Smith who collected $20,722 for
her charity Room to Read while Million Metres for MND was the highest team
fundraiser with a total of $59,949 to go to MND and Me Foundation.

Former international sportsman and Gold Coast local Mat Rogers and his team
The Rat Pack raised more than $40,000 for 4 ASD Kids, a charity supporting
children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The 2013 Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on 6-7 July. Visit
www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au for more information.

Visit the diverse calendar of events in Queensland at www.eventsqld.com.au

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