The eighth iteration of the Kangaroo Island Oats Marathon will run this Sunday, 21 May, through the Flinders Chase National Park.

Kangaroo Island Oats Marathon Founder and Race Director, Nathan Godfrey, says that the event expects several hundred participants.

The event makes donations to local sports and community groups, several of which provide volunteers for the four drink stations along the course.

Racers have the option of participating in full and half marathons, as well as a 10km section through the idyllic scenery of Flinders Chase.

Improvements have been made to the event course over the last year, with the start and finish line relocated to the park entrance, near the new visitors’ information centre that is under construction.

“The island has a chequered history in terms of events failing to return,” Nathan says.

“It has been very challenging delivering the event without any established infrastructure following the bushfires in 2020.

“We couldn’t have continued operating without the huge support from the Department of Environment and Water and the local Parks team.”

“We’re really proud that we’ve created a sustainable event that is high profile and low impact,” Nathan says.

He says the event makes a significant contribution to the local Kangaroo Island tourism economy, second only to the KI Cup.

Interstate and international runners attending the event stay on average for four nights on the island with support teams, stimulating the island’s tourism economy.

This year’s marathon will be the first to feature Kingscote’s Aurora Ozone Hotel as a hub and ‘race village’ for participants and local revellers to celebrate the event.

The hotel will offer a place for runners to relax, connect and celebrate both pre- and post-race.

Aurora Ozone Hotel General Manager, Gerd Beurich says that it is exciting to be involved in such a prestigious event.

“For tourism, it’s another great addition that brings visitation to the island, and with visitation comes income streams not just for us but for a whole range of businesses that cater for visitors,” he says.

“Local cafes, souvenir shops, wineries, the distillery. Really everyone benefits in the end.”

The Aurora Ozone will host a carb-loading meal for racers on Saturday evening, prior to the event, as well as live music and an afterparty on Sunday evening.

The hotel will also offer ice bath recovery sessions overlooking the ocean for race participants.

Nathan Godfrey says that the hotel will not just be a hub for event participants.

“We’re encouraging KI residents to drop into the Ozone Hotel over the weekend to feel the event vibe.”

Among this year’s runners are 2022 Women’s Half Marathon event winner Emma Kraft, who will return to run the full marathon in 2023.

Next year will mark the Kangaroo Island Oats Marathon’s 10th anniversary, after a year off in 2020.

Event organisers are working closely with a number of businesses, including the SeaLink ferry and the Ozone Hotel, to create a range of bespoke packages for the anniversary event.