2024 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon delivers positive economic and visitor boost to local region
The 2024 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon delivered more than a great running experience for almost 2000 participants with the economic impact of the event boosting the regional coffers by over $1.1million.
The Sunday 5 May reboot of a smaller event enjoyed by locals prior to the 2020 pandemic expanded its program to include events to attract all ages and abilities headlined by the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon and including the ASICS Half Marathon, Vanderbilt Private Equity 10km, Toowoomba Chronicle 2km Junior Dash and Visit Toowoomba Region 5km Run.
Participants from as far as Malaysia and Singapore, interstate and intrastate made up 40.5 per cent of all event attendees with spectators making up 55.5 per cent of attendee figures and 4.0 per cent counted as staff and volunteers for a total attendance figure of 4705.
A total of 3759 visitor nights was recorded for the event made up of interstate, international and ‘rest of Queensland’ attendees.
Events Management Queensland (EMQ) CEO, Ben Mannion said they were delighted with the figures for the inaugural event and the sentiment of participants who strongly agreed the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon added appeal to the region.
“The economic impact of $1,134,479m will only increase as the event grows into the future with the opportunity to attract more people from outside the region forming part of our ongoing marketing plans.
“We have also taken into consideration community feedback received following this year’s event and look forward to working with the local business community and the Toowoomba Stakeholder Group to deliver an even better event in 2025,” Mr Mannion said.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Geoff McDonald competed in the 5km run cheered on by great crowds along the course.
“The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon was a fantastic event for our community, showcasing our city in a different way and providing an opportunity for everyone to participate and enjoy a well organised, fun event.
“I was proud of the volunteers from our region who supported the event and loved seeing many familiar faces from our city cross the finish line.
“The visitor nights and boost to the economy speak for themselves and we look forward to working with the team at Events Management Queensland to grow this initiative to become a signature attraction on our annual event calendar.
“The EMQ team has extensive experience across almost every major multi-sport event in the world. They are keen to share their expertise with our team and support the Toowoomba community to evolve an event that celebrates this city and entices participants from near and far,” Mayor McDonald said.
Events Management Queensland also proudly delivers the annual Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games which feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
Events Management Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Toowoomba Region and pays respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the knowledge, rich traditions and bold ambitions of Australia’s First Peoples.
For event information and to enter the Toowoomba Marathon visit: toowombamarathon.com.au