Hamilton Island's Whitehaven Beach Run: Push the Limits in Paradise 5 July 2016 Held on Sunday 26 June 2016, Hamilton Island’s Great Whitehaven Beach Run will push endurance athletes to the limit as they take on one of the most demanding and picturesque 5km, 10km or half marathon sand runs in the world. Olympian and Commonwealth Games Marathon Gold Medallist, Steve Moneghetti will compete in this year’s Great Whitehaven Beach Run believing there’s no other race like it. . “The Great Whitehaven Beach Run is quite a juxtaposition given it is one of the toughest race events in one of Australia’s most spectacular locations,” said Mr Moneghetti. “Even Australia’s most experienced endurance athletes can find competing on sand a challenge, but being able to compete and cross the finish line in such an outstanding location is worth it.” Competitors in the Beach Run, one of several Hamilton Island Endurance Series events held throughout the year, will have the chance to participate in a number of additional activities over the weekend including a scenic park run on Hamilton Island, and a Running Technique Clinic hosted by Moneghetti on the Saturday afternoon, 25 June. Moneghetti said he was looking forward to sharing a few tips and tricks of the trade with the runners ahead of the competition on Sunday. He will also host an informal Q&A event at Hamilton Island’s Manta Ray restaurant on the night before the run for competitors wanting additional inspiration from the Australian running legend. Hamilton Island will also host a number of events for junior athletes including the 1.5km and 500m Great Whitehaven Beach Runs, with medal presentations scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoon at Whitehaven Beach. For those looking to wind-down and relax post-race, Hamilton Island’s Spa wumurdaylin is open all day for relaxing massages and treatments specially designed for recovering runners. Racegoers can also unwind and soothe fatigued muscles with a refreshing swim at one of the Hamilton Island’s resort pools before soaking up the sunset with a celebration drink at One Tree Hill. Registrations for the Great Whitehaven Beach Run are now open, and close on Friday, 24 June. To register, or for more information visit http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/endurance-series/great-whitehaven-beach-run. To book flights and accommodation for your Great Whitehaven Beach Run weekend, visit http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/great-whitehaven-beach-run/accommodation. ENDS Notes to editors: Hamilton Island is located off the coast of Queensland in Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities. www.hamiltonisland.com.au For media enquiries, please contact: Stephanie Maguire, Sefiani Communications Group E: smaguire@sefiani.com.au T: 02 8920 0700 M: 0403 688 079 Media contacts and image library: www.hamiltonisland.com.au/media-centre/ Instagram: @hamiltonisland / #hamiltonisland Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Twitter: @hamiltonisland