Port Douglas to run Solar Eclipse Marathon
Sky's the limit: Far North Queensland is gearing up for the 2012 eclipse, when a marathon will be held in Port Douglas. Picture: CRAIG GREENHILL
THE world's first Solar Eclipse Marathon is coming to Port Douglas.
Event ambassador and Australian marathon legend, Steve Monaghetti, is flying in this weekend to launch the running festival, which will include a 42.195km marathon and a half marathon.
He believes the local environment and the significance of the eclipse will present a highly desirable combination to runners everywhere.
“The concept of a marathon and half marathon in the pristine environment of Port Douglas and The Daintree is terrific," Monaghetti said.
Eclipse spotters bound for Cairns and Port Douglas
An endurance run provides a great personal challenge but to share the adventure with like-minded people on a significant day in a special place will be astronomical!
"I love to run and I love the beauty of the Australian rainforests so this event is a winning combination for me."
The event is being presented by Traveling Fit, Australia’s only specialist travel agency catering to the running community.
Spokesperson Michael Walton said the event will provide Australian and international runners with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"Linking the eclipse and the marathon festival is all about the experience the competitors receive here," he said.
"For example, we are timing the race start just as the first rays of sun re-emerge from behind the moon, creating the first ever intergalactic starting gun!"
The event is expected to attract around 3,000 visitors including support crews and families into Port Douglas, and oganisers are confident at capping the running competitors at 2000.
Event organisers Traveling Fit and their international travel partners, Albatross Travel, together with their destination management company Port Douglas Event Management, will present details of the running festival to the tourism industry at the launch this Friday night in Port Douglas.
“This has the potential to be the largest single international event ever staged in in the Port Douglas and Daintree region," Walton said.
"Having the support of the local tourism and business communities is essential for the success of any venture and we are fortunate to have Port Douglas and the Daintree as the focal point for this unique event."
Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Doug Ryan said the marathon would have a significant impact on the region’s tourism industry, as well as the wider community.
"This marathon will be a great addition to the eclipse event, which will see the region prosper in what is normally a quiet period," he said.
"It is exactly in line with the Cairns Regional Council and and the area’s strategy to develop major events.
"The oganisers have indicated the marathon has the potential to be developed into a biennial event, which would be an excellent outcome.
"We hope Events Queensland and the Cairns Regional Council will both support this opportunity for ort Douglas and the Daintree."
The marathons will cater to participants of all levels of ability and the event will have accommodation components to suit very budget and requirement, from single runners to large families looking for an extended holiday.
The organisers are ofering fully hosted tour and holiday packages to enhance the marathon, and it promises to be the largest event ever taged in the region.
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