Tourism and Events Moreton Bay and the City of Moreton Bay have announced a new sister marathon relationship between Jetty 2 Jetty and the Shizuoka Marathon in Japan, strengthening international ties through sport and tourism as part of the broader Memorandum of Understanding between the two cities.
The partnership forms part of the formal agreement between the City of Moreton Bay and Shizuoka City, signed by Mayor Peter Flannery and Mayor Takashi Namba, which is focused on growing collaboration across trade, tourism, education, research and investment opportunities in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The new marathon relationship is one of the first tangible tourism outcomes to emerge from the agreement, creating opportunities for both destinations to share event expertise, cross-promote their marathons and encourage international visitation between Australia and Japan.
A delegation from Shizuoka Marathon travelled to Moreton Bay for this year’s 40th anniversary of Jetty 2 Jetty, experiencing the event firsthand and meeting with organisers to begin planning future collaboration.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said this partnership is a great example of how the
agreement with Shizuoka City is translating into real opportunities through tourism, sport, trade and
international engagement.
“By connecting two iconic marathon events, we’re strengthening relationships between our cities,
showcasing City of Moreton Bay to a global audience, and building momentum as we look toward
Brisbane 2032,” Mayor Flannery said.
Tourism and Events Moreton Bay CEO Luke Edwards said the sister marathon relationship demonstrates how international partnerships can deliver real outcomes for the visitor economy.
“This partnership is much more than a relationship between two marathon events – it is part of the broader collaboration between the City of Moreton Bay and Shizuoka City, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and international engagement,” Edwards said.
“Jetty 2 Jetty has evolved significantly in recent years. Celebrating its 40th anniversary and successfully delivering its second marathon demonstrates the momentum behind the event and its growing appeal as a destination marathon.
“Working alongside an internationally recognised event like the Shizuoka Marathon allows us to share ideas, learn from each other’s successes and promote both destinations to runners looking for their next marathon experience.”
The Shizuoka Marathon attracts approximately 15,000 runners each year and is renowned for its spectacular course, which winds through the city before showcasing the coastline with views of the iconic Mount Fuji on clear days.
Similarly, Jetty 2 Jetty takes runners along Moreton Bay’s picturesque waterfront, offering uninterrupted bay views, vibrant community support and one of Queensland’s most scenic marathon courses.
Both events also deliver significant economic benefits by attracting participants and spectators who stay in local accommodation, dine at restaurants, visit attractions and explore the surrounding destination.
Representatives from both marathon organisations will work together to exchange operational knowledge and best practice, while jointly promoting participation in each other’s events and encouraging runners to experience both destinations.
The partnership comes as participation in sports tourism continues to grow globally, with marathon runners increasingly travelling internationally to complete iconic courses and extend their stay to experience the destination.
Following the record success of this year’s Jetty 2 Jetty, Tourism and Events Moreton Bay believes the new international relationship will further strengthen the event’s reputation while supporting Moreton Bay’s ambitions to become a leading events destination in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
