Sport
9 March, 2026
Marathon festival secured until 2028
THE 7Cairns Marathon Festival has been secured for the next three years under the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Major Events Strategy 2026–2035.
Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) have renewed a funding agreement with Atlas Events to retain the marathon until 2028, with an option to extend through to 2030.
The strategy, developed in partnership between Council and TTNQ, aims to grow year-round visitation, maximise economic return and strengthen the region’s position as a major events destination ahead of Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Over the past three years, the marathon has attracted more than 20,000 participants, with 40% travelling from outside the Cairns Local Government Area. The event generated more than 24,000 visitor nights and contributed nearly $5.5 million to the local economy.
Mayor Amy Eden said securing the 7Cairns Marathon Festival reflects Council’s focus on events that deliver economic and community outcomes.
“This is exactly what our Major Events Strategy is designed to do. Back events that fill hotel rooms, support local businesses, create jobs and give our community something to be proud of,” Mayor Eden said.
“The 7Cairns Marathon Festival is more than a race. It activates our Esplanade, showcases our lifestyle to thousands of visitors and injects millions into our local economy.”
“With Brisbane 2032 approaching, we are not waiting on the sidelines. We are positioning Cairns now to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. Locking in events like this provides certainty for our tourism operators, hospitality venues and small businesses.”
TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said participation and endurance events were surging nationwide.
“Major events already inject close to $40 million a year into the Cairns region and $67 million into the wider Tropical North Queensland economy,” he said.
“With strong growth in participation sport and mass running events across the country, Cairns is perfectly positioned to capitalise on that momentum.”
Jason Crowther, Managing Director of Atlas Events, said the organisation was proud to continue its partnership with Cairns Regional Council and deliver the festival for the next five years.
The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Major Events Strategy 2026–2035 is available on Council’s website, with major events expected to play an increasing role in the region’s economic diversification and visitor growth over the next decade.
