PNG youth prepare for life-changing run in Gold Coast Marathon
Fitness enthusiasts from Southport, Queensland, will join thousands of others from across Australia for the running of the annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
In this , the event's 37th year, more than 28,000 people of all ages from throughout the world are expected to set off from the starting line at the Gold Coast Airport, according to organisers.
Among the runners this year will be six young people from Papua New Guinea, who were given an opportunity to participate through the Hope and a Future Project, initiated by The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army's Sharon Callister said the project's aim was to give some of PNG's younger population a chance to gain leadership and educational opportunities, as well as to experience life-changing activities like running a marathon.
The group of eight has received mentoring from previous runners from the country who had successfully completed the 42.195km course.
Competition expected to be fierce on the day, as participants take on events such as the ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, Wheelchair 15km race and the ultimate Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
There will also be a host of other events held along the surf beaches of the Gold Coast, where signs and poster printing advertising the event are in full swing.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on July 4th and 5th.
In this , the event's 37th year, more than 28,000 people of all ages from throughout the world are expected to set off from the starting line at the Gold Coast Airport, according to organisers.
Among the runners this year will be six young people from Papua New Guinea, who were given an opportunity to participate through the Hope and a Future Project, initiated by The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army's Sharon Callister said the project's aim was to give some of PNG's younger population a chance to gain leadership and educational opportunities, as well as to experience life-changing activities like running a marathon.
The group of eight has received mentoring from previous runners from the country who had successfully completed the 42.195km course.
Competition expected to be fierce on the day, as participants take on events such as the ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, Wheelchair 15km race and the ultimate Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
There will also be a host of other events held along the surf beaches of the Gold Coast, where signs and poster printing advertising the event are in full swing.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on July 4th and 5th.