Run and then dive straight into the sea – Australia’s Gold Coast Marathon invites Taiwanese runners

Reported and photographed by Yu Tzu-ju / Taipei

The first gold-label marathon in the Southern Hemisphere, the “Gold Coast Airport Marathon (GCAM),” will take place on July 2 and 3, 2016, in the sun-soaked and ocean-filled Gold Coast. But unlike previous years, in response to the growing number of road running enthusiasts in Taiwan, Tourism Queensland has specially organized a beginner training program, inviting novice runners to train and then participate.


▲Amber An shares scenes from the Gold Coast Marathon. (Photo / Reported by Yu Tzu-ju)

The Gold Coast Marathon, which has been held since 1979, will celebrate its 38th edition this year on July 2 and 3. In 2015, a total of 418 Taiwanese runners participated. Recognizing the enthusiasm among Taiwanese for running marathons, Tourism Queensland, in collaboration with Sports Note and Running Academy, launched the “Novice First Marathon Survival Challenge – Gold Coast Running Training Camp.” This six-month training program is designed for runners who have never completed a 10-kilometer run before, covering everything from basic running form and strength training to the crucial long slow distance (LSD) runs, culminating in participation in the Gold Coast Marathon.

The “Novice First Marathon Survival Challenge – Gold Coast Running Training Camp” will begin recruitment on October 15. Amber An said that the scenery along the Gold Coast Marathon is absolutely stunning, stretching along the coastline, “and you can just jump into the sea right after you finish the run.” Aside from experiencing an international marathon, Australia’s natural ecological landscapes are also a major draw.