Gold Coast resident Marie Bennetts knows exactly how she intends to prepare for her leg of the Queen's Baton relay.
"I'll have to go and buy a new pair of shoes," the 77-year-old announced as she was confirmed as a baton bearer ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Ms Bennetts, a long-time volunteer at Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club and a justice of the peace, was one of around 3800 Australians to be told they will carry the baton during its 100-day journey across Australia.
Baton bearers have been selected from all walks of life and at all ages, from Nebo's 100-year-old Bill Bruce to 10-year-old Corbin Easton from Caloundra in Queensland.
Olympian and dual Commonwealth Games silver medallist Brooke Hanson will be carrying the baton in the memory of her son Jack, who died in 2012 after being born prematurely.
"Being a baton bearer is exciting; it's fun, it's unique and above all, it's a huge honour," said Ms Hanson, who was a baton bearer as a 16-year-old in Sydney ahead of the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said ensuring a mixture of community members had been her hope for those to receive the honour.
"The Queen's Baton relay recognises the achievements and aspirations from all walks of life," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"I want this to be the people's baton relay, we didn't want to see any politicians involved from a Queensland point of view and I really want to thank the independent panel because they've met that request."
The Queen's Baton will arrive in Brisbane on Christmas Eve and go on a 100-day journey around the country.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation chairman Peter Beattie said the worldwide journey of the baton was the "biggest single promotion" of Queensland ever.
Just one position on the relay remains unfilled; the person who'll deliver it to the Queen's representative at the Games' opening ceremony next year.
"You'll only find out that person on the day," Mr Beattie said.
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