International running travel specialist Marathon Tours & Travel has acquired the Kangaroo Island Marathon. The acquisition coincides with the event celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transfer of ownership will occur after the event has taken place in September 2024; although, Marathon Tours & Travel are currently selling exclusive packages to this years’ anniversary event.
Kangaroo Island lies 14km off the mainland of South Australia, a short 90-minute drive from the city of Adelaide. The island was recently named one of the top ten travel destinations in the world by Lonely Planet and the New York Times. One third of the island is reserved as national parkland – offering up a bio-diverse tourist destination with rare wildlife, organic produce, and beaches.
The marathon and half-marathon course route carves its way through the heart of Flinders Chase National Park located in the remote south-western corner of Kangaroo Island.
The acquisition of the Kangaroo Island Marathon adds to the event portfolio held by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT), which is also an official travel agency for many international running events. MTT owns events such as the Patagonia Running Festival Marathon, Madagascar Marathon, Antarctica Marathon and the new Arctic Marathon.
Kangaroo Island Marathon Founder and Race Director, Nathan Godfrey, said “96% of Flinders Chase National Park was destroyed during the summer bushfires in 2020, however we returned in late 2021 with a record attendance and were subsequently awarded the bronze medal at the South Australian Tourism Awards.
“We are very grateful to the State Government who have continued to support our vision to position Kangaroo Island as one of the leading adventure running destinations in the world.”
He added, “I’m comfortable this is the right time to hand over the baton. Marathon Tours & Travel has a proven track record delivering world class experiences to a global community of runners. I’m confident the event will continue to grow, and most importantly, continue to make a significant contribution to the visitor economy in South Australia.”
Jeff Adams, President of Marathon Tours & Travel, said “We are delighted to join forces with Nathan and his team, and are really excited to be able to offer such a special event to our clients.
“Kangaroo Island Marathon promises a truly unique event experience, set on one of the world’s most beautiful marathon courses, of varying terrain, ideal for adventure runners that are seeking their next challenge.
“Nathan and his team have done a superb job with the event over the past decade, and we’re very much looking forward to helping them to build upon these brilliant foundations.”
www.marathontours.com
www.runkangarooisland.com
