ORGANISERS of a new half marathon in Newcastle say the event will enhance bilateral tourism ties between China and Australia and boost business in the Hunter on the race weekend.
The inaugural Newcastle International Half Marathon on Sunday, October 6, is being staged by AustCham (China-Australia Chamber of Commerce), Hong Kong-based media outlet Takungpao and Beijing China International Travel Service Co. Ltd, one of China's leading tourism outfits.
Up to 1000 runners are expected to take on the 21km course, which will skirt Honeysuckle and Dixon Park, Bar Beach and Merewether beach.
In addition to the half marathon, there will also be a 5km fun run for runners.
Race organiser Paul Humphreys expects the $10,000 purse to attract top female and male runners.
"I have no doubt this event will build in coming years to be one of the most popular Half Marathon events on the running calendar," he said.
AustCham general manager Nick Coyle said the event would boost relations between China and Australia and raise awareness of the Hunter region's tourism assets and lifestyle.
Mr Coyle said Auscham had partnered with local tourism businesses to create packages for global participants, with activities ranging from whale watching to winery tours.
"The development of these packages alone will provide an important source of revenue for such businesses, as well as incredible exposure on Chinese social media, which has proven an irreplaceable form of advertising for Chinese consumers," he said. "Hunter businesses are no strangers to Chinese tourism and we see steady adaption to this market, including changes in marketing approaches to leverage Chinese social media and increasing utilisation of Wechat Pay as a payment gateway for sales which Chinese are familiar with."
Mr Coyle says China's expanding middle class is placing more value on leisure time, including a growing participation in sports and outdoor activities.
"Chinese tourists are increasingly seeking international travel opportunities, with participation in local social and cultural activities like sporting festivals a key criteria in choice of destination," he said.
The Newcastle race follows the AustCham-Takungpao staging of the 2019 Changbaishan Mountain running festival and Takungpao's staging of the Hong Kong International Half Marathon.
Mr Coyle said Newcastle had proven itself as a key location for sporting events including triathlons and Ironman, with a reputation for developing elite sporting performers.
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