Team Griffith dominates the marathon track

Team Griffith last year won the title of Largest Corporate Team at the week's Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
Team Griffith won the title of Largest Corporate Team at last year's Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

It was quite a sight. A sea of red shirts dominated the track at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon with Team Griffith taking out the title of Largest Corporate Team for the third year running.

An amazing 1017 runners represented Griffith in the weekend’s events.

Prof Sue Spence, Vice Chancellor Prof Ian O'Connor, Anna Reynolds, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Prof Martin Betts, Prof Sarah Todd and Sue Savage.
Professor Sue Spence, Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor, Anna Reynolds, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts, Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Professor Sarah Todd and Sue Savage

Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor, who participated in the 5.7km race, said the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was one of the best events on the Gold Coast.

“It’s a beautiful day, with thousands and thousands of people out doing healthy things and being with friends and family,” he said.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity for the Griffith community to do something together and each year it is going from strength to strength.”

Bachelor of Biomedical Science student Nathan Boller, who ran the marathon for the first time, said he was proud to finish the 42km race.

“I am an exchange student and being part of Team Griffith was a great way to finish off my program as next week I leave to return home to the UK for my final year of study,” he said.

Research leader at Griffith’s Institute for Glycomics, Dr Lara Herrero, finished the full marathon in 3 hours and 42 minutes.

Some Team Griffith participants off and running int he 10km event.
Team Griffith participants off and running in the 10km event.

Find out how all the Team Griffith members placed here.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts, who also ran the 5.7km event, said more than 1000 Griffith participants was a fantastic achievement.

“It is just great to see people out promoting the university and their own wellbeing as well as the Students’ Future Fund,” he said.

Marathon Griffith Team Manager Julie Carlisle, who helped coordinate the Griffith team through the Development and Alumni Office, said $4995 had been raised for the Students’ Future Fund.

The money will help provide Griffith Futures Scholarships to talented and dedicated students from all backgrounds to ensure they can complete their education regardless of personal financial circumstances.

Ms Carlisle also thanked the volunteers for their valuable time over the weekend.

Physiotherapy students Jess Morey, Jess Gallagher and Rebekah Templeton massage runners after the race.
Physiotherapy students Jess Morey, Jess Gallagher and Rebekah Templeton massage runners after the race.

She said students from Griffith’s Physiotherapy Clinic were also on hand providing much needed massages and recovery treatment for the runners.

For photos from the event see the Griffith Alumni facebook page or search #gcguteam on Twitter.