Hamilton Island Kick Starts Whitsunday Running Season 11 March 2013 On Sunday 5th May running enthusiasts from around the country will descend on Hamilton Island to compete in the Stamford Financial Hilly Half Marathon. Now in its seventh year, the event will kick start the running season for the Whitsunday region. Its popularity is undeniable with over one hundred competitors expected to sign up to take on what is arguably the toughest half marathon in the country. The course consists of challenging ascents and steep descents, taking competitors to the highest and furthermost points of the Island. From the demanding terrain up to Passage Peak to the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club, and the incredible look outs at One Tree Hill and Coral Cove; all points reward competitors with breathtaking views of the sparkling Coral Sea and surrounding Whitsunday Islands. For those competitors eager to be involved but not able to take on the full half marathon, there is an easier option with the relay team division. Three legs of 7kms make up the relay with a number of categories available including male, female, mixed and age groups catering for all levels of fitness and abilities. Juniors are also able to compete with races held over flat terrain in the marina precinct with distance options of 750m, 1500m or 3kms. Plus for the first time in 2013, the Harvey World Travel Corporate Teams Challenge has been added to the fixtures encouraging all local businesses to unite their workforce by entering a team in the bid for corporate supremacy. Entries are now open online at www.hamiltonisland.com.au/marathon -ENDS- Notes to editors: Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of 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 http://www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Media contacts and image library: http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/media-centre/ Katie Cahill, Regional Communications Manager e: kcahill@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)439 775 656 Other regional running events: 26th May: The Burdekin Sugar Rush, Ayr 2nd June: Mackay Marina Run 4th August: Townsville Running Festival 21st July: Airlie Beach Running Festival – 2013 is the first year of this event 22nd September: Run the Great Whitsunday Walk