A record turnout is expected for one of Australia’s most scenic running events.
More than 8500 participants are set to tackle the ASICS Runaway Noosa Marathon festival, which includes a marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km, on Saturday.
Major roads and car parks will be closed to traffic within Noosa Heads and Noosaville, including along Noosa Parade, Gympie Terrace and Weyba Road.
This year’s edition is set to be the biggest in the festival’s eight-year history, injecting more than $8.5 million into the local economy.
Runners are attracted to the festival because it boasts a flat, fast multi-lap course that is set in the heart of a tourist destination. The start and finish line is just steps away from Hastings Street.
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IRONMAN Group Oceania regional director Leanna Ali welcomed runners to Noosa.
“The Runaway Noosa Marathon provides a great opportunity for runners to spend the weekend in this incredible region,” she said.
“On Saturday morning, they take part in the run of their choice and then relax and enjoy all that Noosa has to offer.
“We’re thrilled with the response from runners from home and abroad with this year’s event: the biggest in our history.
“The Runaway Noosa Marathon has a fantastic mix of social runners who are out for a fun morning right up to those who are out for a marathon PB on a flat and fast course.
“Last year was a record-breaking Runaway Noosa with more than 7000 runners taking part and we can’t wait to see many, many more take to the streets of Noosa this Saturday.”
Major roads will be closed on Saturday, mostly from 4am to 2pm, while some back streets of Noosaville will be for local access only.
Competitors and spectators can make the most of shuttle buses from multiple locations.
The marathon festival is supported by the state government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell wished the athletes luck.
“Every year, this event brings a fantastic atmosphere to the Noosa coast as locals and visitors come together to take on the challenge,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to share this world-famous part of Queensland and will provide a fantastic boost for our local tourism operators as this looks set to be the biggest edition in the event’s history.”
Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse said the festival was the premier marathon in the region, offering participants a unique experience and showcasing the scenic beauty of the Noosa River.
“With the event held on Saturday morning, it’s perfectly timed for runners and supporters to make the most of their weekend, whether that’s unwinding on our beaches, exploring the hinterland or enjoying Noosa’s exceptional food and lifestyle experiences,” she said.
The Runaway Noosa Marathon festival’s first edition was held in 2018, when it essentially superseded the Run Noosa festival.
About 1500 runners are set to run in the main event, the marathon, while thousands more are expected to take part in other distances.
Swim Noosa will take place on Sunday.
The event offers four ocean swims, including 500m, 1km, 2km and 3.8km swims, from 7am, in Laguna Bay off Noosa Main Beach.
See runawaynoosamarathon.com.au for more details about changed traffic conditions and event day parking and transport.
