Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon Off to a Flying Start With AirAsia X As Official Airline Partner

The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon is flying high with today’s announcement that Asia’s low cost leader for medium haul air travel, AirAsia X, is coming on board for the first time as the Official Airline Partner for this year’s event.

With daily services from both Sydney and Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X is ready to fly hundreds of international participants to Auckland for New Zealand’s ‘biggest, most iconic, colourful and cultural running celebration’, taking place on Sunday 29 October.

With just over four weeks to go, the airline is ensuring everyone can be part of the action, with discounted fares on sale now via the AirAsia website and Superapp. The best value seats are always those snapped up fast, so the airline urges eager participants to get in quick.

For value seekers wishing to fly to and from Auckland this coming Spring and Summer, this week’s sale features deals starting from just NZD$169 to fly direct to Sydney and from NZD$459 to Kuala Lumpur, for the travel period covering the upcoming peak season from 1 Oct 2023 - 31 Mar 2024.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said this partnership resonates well with the AirAsia X brand, which is all about enabling everyone to access fun and entertaining experiences through great value fares across Asia and Asia Pacific.

“Connecting people and bringing diverse cultures and experiences together is what we do best. From our main hub in Kuala Lumpur which connects to over 130 destinations across Asia and Asia Pacific, we are thrilled to make it affordable for international entrants to participate in this year’s Auckland Marathon celebrations and witness the scenic beauty of one of the largest urban waterfront locations in the South Pacific.

“As an event that celebrates the diverse beauty and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau, we are looking forward to welcoming overseas participants and spectators to this years’ event, providing a truly multicultural celebration of running and at the same time, showcasing the key tourism highlights of the region including the only time each year people can walk/run over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

“As part of the festivities, we will also be running a number of promotional activities in the lead up to and during the event. Including the chance to ‘spin the wheel’ to win return flights for two to Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia branded merchandise and more at our branded booths in The Cloud, Queens Wharf and at the finish line in central city Victoria Park.”

AirAsia X crew ready to welcome visitors to the activity booths to spin to win great prizes including return flights for two to Kuala Lumpur at this year's Auckland Marathon. 

Jeremy Kann, Vice President, Global Partnerships Asia Pacific for The IRONMAN Group, organisers of the Auckland Marathon welcomed AirAsia X to this year’s event.

“We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia X onboard as a key partner for the 2023 Auckland Marathon,” said Kann.

“This is without doubt the premier running event in New Zealand with something for runners of every level from around the world and we look forward to working with AirAsia X to bring more athletes from Malaysia and across Asia to the event.

“With five distances for participants to choose from, spectator-lined streets, and courses that take in the best highlights of New Zealand’s largest city, the Auckland Marathon is celebration of running that is not to be missed,” he said.

Benyamin Ismail continued: “As well as supporting key community events such as this one, AirAsia X is also all about enabling everyone to fly, anytime. Kiwis love Asia for affordable international getaways and Australians and Asians love New Zealand as a must-see destination which is on everyone’s bucket list. For this reason, Auckland has always been one of our core markets, which is why it is also one of the first we decided to return to post pandemic.

“We are also proud to be the only airline flying our comfortable widebody aircraft across the Tasman between Auckland and Sydney. Delivering the best value and choice is synonymous with our brand. As well as economy seats we also offer two unique options for our guests including lie flat Premium Flatbeds which are like business class seats, for a fraction of the cost and another exclusive Quiet Zone for those who prefer to get some added comfort and rest on board.”

AirAsia X (AAX) resumed direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney in November 2022 post pandemic. The airline flies daily on the popular route from both Sydney and Kuala Lumpur providing over 5000 visitor seats weekly through Auckland Airport. AAX also features Premium Flatbeds with life flat beds, comfy pillows, duvet and complimentary meals on sale for often less than the cost of an economy seat on a full service airline. From Kuala Lumpur, Australian and Kiwi guests can connect onto 130 destinations throughout AirAsia’s broad network including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, China and many more - always at the best value prices. See the AirAsia Superapp or visit www.airasia.com for more information.