Test Your Endurance in Queensland in 2016
Where else in the world can you earn the bragging rights of crossing the finish line after conquering the natural landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands, tag yourself and your mates running a race across the red sand of ‘Big Red’, or test yourself against some of the world’s best marathoners…Queensland of course!
NOOSA ULTIMATE SPORTS FESTIVAL
27-28 May 2016
What better backdrop could beginner and seasoned athletes ask for at this weekend billed as the ultimate for sports, fun and entertainment. Participate in the Zinc 96.1 Swim Noosa over 3.8km, 2km, 1km or 500 metres. Or the Etixx Run Noosa, held as a Half Marathon, 10km or 5km event, might be more your style. Failing that, what about the Subaru Cycle Noosa in which you can compete over 85km or 160km. Or what about all three? Yes, there’s something for everyone and every fitness level at this festival which practically screams adrenalin.
GOLD COAST AIRPORT MARATHON
2-3 July
Pitted as Australia’s premier road race, and the first marathon in the country to hold an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label, it’s hard to beat this course based on pure scenery alone. They say if you want to post your personal beast, the flat, fast course which hugs the Gold Coast’s beaches and Broadwater, is the place to do it. Held annually on the first weekend of July, more than 27,000 participants compete in a variety of races including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon itself, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge, and Junior Dash 4km and 2km races. So esteemed and established is this event, 2016 will mark its 38th year.
NOOSA TRIATHLON MULTI-SPORT FESTIVAL
30 October
Die-hard fans of triathlon love this event, held on the Sunshine Coast, which is not only Noosa’s most prominent annual festival, but also Australia’s largest triathlon event and the largest Multi-Sport festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Fitness fanatics won’t be disappointed with everything from the Endura Noosa Run Swim Run to the Noosa Tri Charity Golf on offer. In between, there’s the Tour De Noosa Cycle & Breakfast with the Stars; Noosa Breakfast Fun Run; Arena Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim; Coates Hire Noosa Superkidz Triathlon; and Tingriana Noosa Special Triathlon. Add to that the Noosa Legends Triathlon; SUBARU Australian Open Criterium Women’s and Men’s events; the ASICS Bolt; and the Noosa Sport and Lifestyle Expo; and you’ve got one heck of an event. And did we mention, it’s at Noosa?
THE TROPICAL JOURNEYS GREAT BARRIER REEF MARATHON FESTIVAL
6 November
If you are compelled to run a marathon, why not do it alongside one of the world’s most spectacular natural icons – the Great Barrier Reef. Staged in Port Douglas, Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti has dubbed this race the “world’s best”. Taking in all the delights of Tropical North Queensland, participants can run 74km JCU Ultra Marathon; 42km adventure marathon; or 21km half marathon set along the fantastic fringing reefs and ancient rainforest for which this region is renowned. There’s also a 10km, 5km, and 2.5km junior challenge. All races start at stunning Four Mile Beach. After all, life is a marathon, not a sprint.