Imagine pounding the trails through the rugged, breathtaking beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, the wild Southern Ocean coastline stretching beside you. This is the allure of the Kangaroo Island Marathon, an iconic event set to return on August 24th this year.
Long-time supporter SeaLink South Australia has just cemented its commitment, extending its sponsorship for another two years – marking over a decade of backing – as the event embarks on an exciting new chapter under the ownership of international specialists, Marathon Tours & Travel.
For ten years, SeaLink has been the vital link connecting runners and spectators to this unique island race. Their renewed commitment ensures this continues, providing essential transport for event staff and vehicles, alongside welcome discounts for participants heading over for the big day. It’s support that makes the logistics of attending this relatively remote marathon seamless.
Tracy Croft, General Manager for SeaLink South Australia, is enthusiastic about the future. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Kangaroo Island Marathon as it enters this exciting new chapter with Marathon Tours & Travel,” she said. “This event not only highlights the island’s spectacular natural beauty but also connects a global community of adventure runners and visitors to this stunning destination.”
That global connection is set to strengthen under Marathon Tours & Travel, renowned leaders in creating running travel experiences. They’re already offering tailored packages designed to immerse visitors in the KI experience. Options range from focused 3-night stays for the race weekend to expansive 7-night South Australian explorations including three nights on the island, alongside flexible self-drive itineraries. Bookings are live via the Marathon Tours & Travel website.
Jeff Adams, President of Marathon Tours & Travel, shares the excitement: “We are excited to deliver such a special event to our clients. The Kangaroo Island Marathon offers a truly unique experience, with its varied terrain and stunning scenery, making it ideal for runners looking for their next big challenge.”
And a challenge it is. Runners can choose their adventure from three distances winding through the spectacular national park. The full 42.2km marathon presents a demanding course across undulating roads with coastal vistas past landmarks like the awe-inspiring Remarkable Rocks. The 21.1km half marathon kicks off at Remarkable Rocks itself, offering a shorter but equally stunning journey, while the 10km provides a scenic taste of the park’s beauty.
Around 350 runners and 200 supporters are expected to descend on the island, injecting significant life into the local economy. The event is forecast to contribute over $100,000 directly to island businesses, with visitors typically staying between three and ten days, frequenting accommodation, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Marathon Tours & Travel plans to amplify this buzz with new activations, including a post-race party, a revamped race precinct involving local businesses and sporting clubs, locally produced merchandise, and initiatives giving back to the precious Flinders Chase environment that hosts the run.
- For Kangaroo Island Marathon registration and packages, visit www.kangarooislandmarathon.com.
- For SeaLink ferry services and travel details, visit www.sealink.com.au.
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