The EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival, held on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, saw an unprecedented turnout, with a record 10,279 runners participating in the event. The festival, proudly supported by naming rights partner EVA Air, along with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Tourism and Events Queensland, proved to be a resounding success, bringing thousands of people to Brisbane and providing a significant boost to the local economy.
The marathon was won by Saeki Makino of Japan, who completed the race in an impressive 2:24:01. Makino had to leave promptly after his victory to catch a flight back to Japan. The female marathon winner was Eve Mure from Tasmania, who crossed the finish line in a commendable 2:54:37. The half marathon event saw event ambassador Tim Vincent break the race record with a phenomenal time of 1:04:07, while Tenille Ellis claimed the women's title in the half marathon with a stellar time of 1:19:03.
The festival featured a range of events catering to runners of all ages and abilities, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a kids' fun run. Participants and spectators alike enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and the picturesque routes that showcased Brisbane's scenic beauty.
Despite the inner-city rail network closure, which had the potential to cause significant travel disruptions, early communication and planning ensured a seamless experience for all attendees. The proactive measures taken by the event organizers were effective in mitigating any travel issues, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the day's festivities.
"We are thrilled with the success of this year's EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival," said Jason Crowther, Atlas Events Managing Director. "The record number of participants and the outstanding performances, particularly Tim Vincent's incredible half marathon win, made for an unforgettable day. The support from EVA Air, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Tourism and Events Queensland along with all of our partners was instrumental in making this event a triumph, and we are grateful for their partnership."
Adding to the success, the event has raised over $150,000 for over 200 charities.
The influx of visitors for the marathon festival provided a welcome boost to local businesses, with hotels, restaurants, and retailers experiencing increased patronage. The event not only highlighted Brisbane as a premier destination for sporting events but also demonstrated the city's capability to host large-scale events seamlessly.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this year’s fantastic turn out is already building excitement for the 2025 event.
“The Eva Air Brisbane Marathon Festival is our city’s premier running event and a highlight of Brisbane’s impressive line-up of major events,“ Cr Schrinner said.
"Set to return for its 33rd year in 2025, the homegrown event helps participants embrace a healthier lifestyle while enjoying the best of Brisbane.
“Events like this one are a big boost to local businesses, attracting visitors from around Australia and beyond who fill our hotels, cafes and restaurants and support our local economy.”
As the sun set on a successful day of running and community celebration, plans are now underway for the 2025 edition of the EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival, which will take place on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. Organisers are committed to building on this year's achievements and continuing to enhance the experience for all participants and spectators.
The Brisbane Marathon Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland. For more information, please visit the Brisbane Marathon Festival Website.
For media enquiries and high-resolution images please contact:
Jason Crowther
Atlas Events
EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival
Phone: 0410 313 551
Email: [email protected]
