RunningAustralia

Gold Coast Marathon

Gold Coast, Queensland·Date to be confirmed·Marathon / Half Marathon / 10 km / 5.7 km Challenge / Junior Dash 4 km / Junior Dash 2 km
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Quick Information

At a glance.

Location

📍 Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Usually Held

🗓 Early July

2026 Event Date

Date to be confirmed

Distances

Marathon · Half Marathon · 10 km · 5.7 km Challenge · Junior Dash 4 km · Junior Dash 2 km

Course Type

Road

Difficulty

Beginner

Entries

Opening Soon

Official Website

Visit event site

Last Updated

November 2025

Countdown

Race date to be confirmed

Preparing for this event?

Recommended plan: 16 Week Marathon Build.

  • ✔First marathon
  • ✔Personal best attempt
  • ✔Returning runners
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Overview

The event.

The Gold Coast Marathon is Australia's fastest, flattest, sunniest major marathon. Held every July along the Queensland coastline, it has become the country's premier destination for first-time marathoners and PB hunters alike. The course threads through the beachfront suburbs of Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Burleigh Heads, on almost entirely closed roads with sweeping ocean views the whole way. It carries World Athletics Elite Label status, drawing an international elite field alongside tens of thousands of amateur runners across the marathon, half marathon and shorter distances.

Race weekend is a festival. Live music, cheer stations and a start line packed with runners in every stage of their journey — first-timers alongside sub-3 chasers. The winter light is soft, the temperature is generally mild, and the surf runs right beside you.

Who it suitsFirst-time marathoners, runners chasing a Boston or big-city qualifier, and anyone who wants a friendly, flat, well-supported introduction to the distance.

Distances

Marathon
Half Marathon
10 km
5.7 km Challenge
Junior Dash 4 km
Junior Dash 2 km

Course Breakdown

The route.

Course profile
Almost entirely flat. Total elevation gain under 40m for the marathon.
Surface
Sealed road, closed to traffic.
Elevation
To be confirmed
Aid stations
Every 2.5–3km with water, sports drink and gels at select points.
Expected conditions
Winter morning start, typically 8–17°C, with light offshore breeze.

Difficulty Snapshot

Col de Sud assessment.

Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability

General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.

Typical Conditions

What to expect.

Temperature
8–17°C
Humidity
Moderate
Wind
Light coastal breeze
Rain likelihood
Low likelihood
Water temperature
TBC
Altitude
TBC

How to Train

Preparing your body.

Recommended preparation

16 weeks of structured training for most runners; 20 weeks if returning from injury or new to the distance.

Long sessions

Progress the long run to 32–35km in the final 4 weeks before taper, with two marathon-pace segments of 8–12km built in.

Strength training

Twice weekly — glutes, calves, single-leg stability. Keep it heavy but low volume.

Recovery

One full rest day and one very easy shakeout per week during peak weeks.

Course-specific prep

The course is flat, so practise sustained even-pace running rather than hills.

Nutrition practice

Rehearse race nutrition on every long run — target 60–90g carbs per hour.

Equipment testing

Test race-day shoes over at least two 25km+ long runs before the taper.

Key weekly sessions

  • — One long run (peaking around 32–35km)
  • — One threshold or tempo session
  • — One easy-pace midweek longer run
  • — 2–3 easy recovery runs
  • — 1–2 short strides sessions

Race Weekend Guide

Plan your trip.

Travel

Fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or drive from Brisbane in around 75 minutes.

Accommodation

Stay in Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise — both are walking distance to the start.

Packet collection

Race expo runs Thursday to Saturday at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

Parking

Very limited near the start. Walk from your hotel or use the free tram.

Public transport

The G:link light rail runs early on race morning between Broadbeach and Main Beach.

Weather

Cool, dry mornings. Bring a throwaway layer for the start line.

What to pack

Race number, timing chip, gels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

Nutrition

Practise your race breakfast the night before to avoid GI issues.

Recovery

Walk the beach after the race — cold ocean plunge is a local tradition.

Local cafés

BSKT Café at Nobby Beach and Elk Espresso in Broadbeach for post-race brunch.

After the race

Stay a few extra days for Burleigh Heads, currumbin wildlife sanctuary or a Hinterland day trip.

Frequently Asked

Questions we hear.

When is the 2026 Gold Coast Marathon?+

The 2026 date is expected in early July. Confirm with the official event website closer to registration opening.

Is the Gold Coast Marathon beginner friendly?+

Yes — it is widely considered one of the best first marathons in the world thanks to the flat course, mild winter conditions and excellent support.

What is the marathon cutoff time?+

The marathon cutoff is typically 6 hours 30 minutes from the final start wave.

Is there a half marathon?+

Yes, plus a 10km, 5.7km Challenge and two junior distances.

How hilly is the course?+

Almost pancake flat — total elevation is under 40m, making it one of the fastest marathons in the southern hemisphere.

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Last details checked: November 2025