THE TASSAL Airlie Beach Marathon Festival will be held along the foreshore over the weekend of July 19 and 20, 2025.
A record number of entries have already been received for the marathon and half marathon and there are not many places left.
At least 600 runners are expected to line up to run over the weekend.
Entries have been received from every state and territory in Australia.
There are also entries from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, USA, France, England, Scotland and Sweden.
Last year’s winners of the women’s marathon (Liv Compton) and half marathon (Clare Ashworth) and men’s half marathon winner (Billy Grogan) have all signed up to defend their titles.
The festival offers several races over various distances: 42 km, 21km, 10km, 5km, 2km, 1km and 1 mile.
It caters for all ages, from four to 100, with gold medals for first place in most age categories.
The festival offers a corporate challenge for teams of three to 10 members.
The quickest three runners’ times are used to determine the winner of the floating trophy that can be displayed over the next 12 months.
There are cash prizes for the open podium finishers in the Magic Mile, on Saturday afternoon, and the Primary School Challenge with the most participants on a percentage basis will also receive a cash prize and floating trophy.
One of the highlights on Sunday is the mascots’ race immediately before the junior events, at approximately 9.30am.
There are also a record number of mascots and Batman has called in to say he can make it this year!
Event director Tim McQuoid-Mason said: “This year’s festival will be the largest ever and there will be plenty of entertainment for runners and spectators, with live music on the course and at the race precinct.”
There are still places available for anyone interested in entering, so go to www.runairlie.com.au.
Photos Phil Copp Photography.
