Toowoomba’s Ben Ellerby has shown a clean set of heels by becoming the first to sign up for the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon events, held literally on his doorstep.

The 32-year-old music teacher will compete in his third ASICS Half Marathon after taking part in this year’s event and the 2024 ASICS Gold Coast Half Marathon.

“I live about a kilometre from the start line, and I’m on the course all the time, so I was keen to lock myself in the moment entries opened,” he said.

“I really enjoyed it last year and I just thought it was important to get in early and throw my support around the event,” he said.

Next year’s Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon will feature an expanded program of races held over two days, on Saturday 3 May and Sunday 4 May.

New additions include a 5km race and the ‘Runway Mile’ at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, where participants will race on the airport tarmac.

It will feature categories for elite runners, juniors, and teams from schools, corporate groups, and fitness clubs.

Sunday’s events will include the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport 42.195km Marathon, the ASICS Half Marathon and the Visit Toowoomba Region 10km run.

Events Management Queensland (EMQ) CEO, Ben Mannion, said his team has worked closely with the community and local businesses to redesign routes that minimise traffic disruptions while enhancing the runner experience.

“The marathon will now consist of three laps, with the first large lap running along Long Street and the West Creek Pathway.

“Later laps will feature the City Centre and Queens Park, offering stunning views and more opportunities for business and community engagement,” he said.

The ASICS Half Marathon and Visit Toowoomba Region 10km run will follow the same routes as in 2024.

Events Management Queensland is the team behind the iconic Gold Coast Marathon and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games, both part of Queensland’s It’s Live! 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.