MORE than 70 staff and students from Southern Cross University will run the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on July 2 and 3.

Most of the team are opting to run the 10km run, however some have been brave enough to sign up for the 21km half marathon or the 42km marathon.

Team manager Dave Graham said it was a good opportunity for staff, students and alumni to connect as a team.

“I think it’s important that our team members feel like part of a bigger unit, so that they can take ownership of the team and enjoy this great event together,” Mr Graham said.

“Running is usually a very individual sport so it’s nice to bring it back to something you can do in a team.”

Mr Graham said a healthy breakfast would be provided and osteopathy students would be offering massages after the run.

More than 25,000 runners are expected to contest this year’s marathon with teams coming from throughout the country and even as far away as Taiwan and Singapore.

Southern Cross University is one of a record 120 organisations to enter a team.

Marathon general manager Cameron Hart said team entries encouraged corporate health and teamwork.

“It is a great way to promote a healthy work and life balance, provide a challenge for staff and their families, and have a fun social day,” Mr Hart said.

The marathon is run annually on the first weekend in July.