What began back in 1979 has transformed into one of the world’s most scenic and sought after marathons. 2014 proved to be no exception on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia as the Gold Coast Marathon took place in front of thousands of excited fans.

And what a year it was, indeed.

Records were broken, scripts weren’t kept to, and enormous sums of money were raised for charity.

It was Silah Limo of Kenya who took home the winner’s medal in the men’s race. Yet, this was no ordinary race for Limo. After the race he, almost accidentally, let slip to reporters that this was in fact his first ever major race. Not only did he win it, but he set the Gold Coast record finishing the race in a time of 02:09:14.

Silah Limo has won the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in 2:09:14 (prov) #GCAM14 results: http://t.co/k6S6hOMGil pic.twitter.com/OIaqNdkvUe

— Gold Coast Marathon (@GCMarathon) July 6, 2014

The previous course record was set by then 32-year-old Robert de Castella, all the way back in the 1982 Commonwealth Games, who was just four seconds slower that Limo’s new record!

As well as his $15,000 award for finishing in first place, Silo took an additional $20,000 for having broken the world record, leaving his total prize money standing at a cool $35,000. Not bad for a first effort.

Limo said after the race, “I feel so happy because I have run my best in my first race on the Gold Coast. I was aiming to run 2:10… I tried to push and push.”

Many race experts are expecting Silo to beat the record when he returns to Queensland in 2015. All the pre-race attention was actually focused on the battle between Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi and Kenya’s Nicholas Manza. However, all eyes turned to Silo as the race went on.

In the women’s race, Japan’s Asami Kato won with a time of 02:28:51, setting herself almost two minutes clear of the rest of the pack. Of her performance, Kato said, “This was my first time for this race and I am very happy because it was a personal best for me.”

First woman across the line in 2hr28min Asami Kato http://t.co/CbKdShNDJj pic.twitter.com/Ao4lOKqgXs

— Gold Coast Bulletin (@GCBulletin) July 6, 2014

Over $385,110 was raised for charity on behalf of the Gold Coast Marathon, continuing their annual efforts to help those who need it most, including Cancer Council Queensland. Congratulations to everyone involved!