Olympic stars back Run Port Douglas track as best in the world
WORLD CLASS
BUSINESS FEATURE
Excitement is building as Run Port Douglas returns for its second edition on Saturday, September 5, featuring a redesigned 21.1km Half Marathon course that Olympian Marathon Runner for Australia, Andy Buchanan, has already called “the best half marathon course in the world”.
Following a highly successful inaugural event last year, organizers Connect Sport Australia spent the off-season listening closely to runner feedback to overhaul the layout.
While the 2km, 5km, 10km, and 21.1km distances will all once again finish on Four Mile Beach, the marquee half marathon has received the biggest upgrade.
The key change completely eliminates the two repetitive 3km laps through Craiglie, a section previously flagged by runners for improvement.
“We will always strive to improve our event every year,” said Event Director Bade Stapleton.
“We have listened to the feedback and modified the course so it now starts in front of the Mirage Country Club, removing the need for any laps.”
Olympic approval
The revised route has already attracted praise from some of Australia’s greatest distance runners.
Run Port Douglas ambassador Andy Buchanan said the updated course elevates the event onto the global stage.
“This is the best half marathon course in the world,” Buchanan said.
Fellow Olympian, Commonwealth Games champion, and Australian women’s marathon record holder Jessica Stenson has also joined the Run Port Douglas ambassador team, echoing Buchanan's assessment.
“My family and I love Port Douglas and have come up for a holiday before we welcome our third child into the family,” Stenson said.
"Starting under the giant palm trees... and finishing with 3.6km on the hard-packed flat sand of Four Mile Beach, wow! What more could you ask for?" Stenson said.
Economic boost
The community-wide festival is expected to drive significant visitation and economic benefits to the Shire, highlighting the region's unique natural environment.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the event continues to deliver significant value to the region.
“Run Port Douglas has already proven to be a major drawcard for our Shire, delivering strong economic benefits while promoting health, wellbeing and our incredible natural environment,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“The organisers are now telling the rest of the world that our half marathon course is the best in the world.
“We expect this will drive visitation from across Australia and internationally.”
For local business owners like Amy Millen, owner of LiftHER Women’s Gym, the upgraded event is a major source of regional pride.
"The Port Douglas running community is stronger than ever right now, and we can’t wait to get involved and show runners from all over why this is the most scenic run in Australia," Ms Millen said.
For more info and to get your tickets, visit: runportdouglas.com.au
Locals looking to lace up their running shoes can score a 10% discount on entry by joining Team Newsport when registering.
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