Marathon viewed by two billion

MORE than two billion viewers have watched the Gold Coast Marathon highlights program across 93 countries.

The program aired at least 1722 hours of this year’s event across the world, including the key target markets of China, the United States, Japan and South East Asia, according to Gold Coast Marathon CEO Cameron Hart.

“It’s staggering that images of our flat and fast course, ideal winter running conditions and the Gold Coast’s world-famous surf beaches and stunning broadwater were beamed to a such a large international audience,” he said.

Mr Hart said the wellviewed program meant thousands of participants from 20 different countries had already registered for next year’s race.

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said the marathon brought $25 million to Queensland through more than 40,000 visitors.

“The success of the 2017 marathon has reinforced the Gold Coast as a world-class sporting event destination in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” she said.

The next Gold Coast Marathon will be held on June 30 and July 1 in 2018.