Expect to see Townsville residents getting an early morning run-in this weekend at the Townsville Running Festival.
The popular event begins early on Sunday morning and Townsville City Council will be awarding one male and one female marathon runner a trip to Japan as a first prize.
The prize is part of Townsville City Council's Sister Cities Program and will be awarded to the first male and first female to cross the finish line in the Mike Carney Toyota Marathon.
Acting Mayor Les Walker said the prize would give the winners the chance to compete internationally at the 2020 Iwaki Sunshine Marathon.
"It's really exciting to be able to provide this prize to the Townsville Running Festival and share our Sister Cities program with the community," Cr Walker said.
"We have a great relationship with Iwaki and I'm excited to see more Townsville residents experience their city.
"The prize will include flights, 3 days accommodation in Iwaki, the registration for the Iwaki Sunshine Marathon and some activities across the city.
"I'd like to thank the Iwaki City Government for working with Council to offer this prize and I'm looking forward to seeing our Townsville marathon runners compete internationally."
The Iwaki Sunshine Marathon will be held on 23 February 2020.
