Sign up for ST Run and win a chance to take part in GCM

Fancy running a marathon along Surfers Paradise, one of the most famous beaches in the world?

You could win a chance to do that, simply by signing up for the 18.45km category of this year's The Straits Times Run, which takes place on Sept 23 at the Singapore Sports Hub.

The Straits Times has partnered Tourism and Events Queensland to send three ST Run participants for a five-day, four-night all-expenses paid trip to run in the Gold Coast Marathon (GCM), an International Association of Athletics Federations Gold Label marathon that is now in its 40th year.

The package, worth about $2,000 per person, covers airfare, accommodation and entry to either the GCM's half-marathon or marathon category. There is even a whale- watching cruise thrown in.

The top local* male and female finishers in the ST Run's 18.45km category this year will each win a trip to next year's Gold Coast Marathon.

But if you feel finishing tops in such a long distance is nigh impossible, fret not. There is one ticket to this year's GCM - which will be held on July 1 - up for grabs and you could win it by signing up for the ST Run's 18.45km category by April 30.

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All you have to do is go to the ST Run Facebook page and say in a post why you deserve to win the package in 100 words or less (terms and conditions apply).The winner will be notified by May 3.

In addition to the trio who will win a trip to Queensland, all ST Run participants who sign up for this year's GCM are entitled to a 10 per cent discount off the registration fee for the Australian event. Details for the Gold Coast Marathon are at goldcoastmarathon.com.au

ST sports editor Lee Yulin said: "The ST Run always strives to offer participants new and unique experiences every year.

"This tie-up with the Gold Coast Marathon is a first for any run in Singapore and we thank our partners in Queensland for giving our participants a chance to not only test their mettle overseas but also to do so in a spectacular setting."

Tourism and Events Queensland international director Lim Mui Khim added: "Tourism and Events Queensland is absolutely delighted to be a partner with the ST Run.

"The GCM is globally recognised as a fast, flat and scenic course with outstanding crowd support and perfect running conditions.

"The lucky ST runner... will also be running the same course as all the marathon heroes who are competing for gold on Sunday at the 2018 Commonwealth Games."

National marathoner Mok Ying Ren ran the GCM in 2011 and 2013. It was in the latter race that he set a then personal best of 2hr 26min 30sec to qualify for the 2013 SEA Games, which he went on to win.

Describing the route as "largely flat with some rolling hills towards the end of the race", the 29-year-old doctor waxed lyrical about the experience, saying: "It has a much cooler and less humid climate compared to Singapore and that provides that extra boost to runners aiming for a personal best."

ST RUN

* For details on prize eligibility and to sign up for the ST Run, go to www.straitstimesrun.com