Gold Coast Marathon

The Gold Coast Marathon is held annually at one of the world's most popular holiday destinations. It is Australia's premier road race and was the first marathon in the country to hold an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label. Sign up to test your legs and achieve new goals.

Fast facts

• Where: Gold Coast
• When: 4 - 5 July 2020
• Price: Full marathon from AUD$145

How to get there

International flights fly directly into Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta from Osaka, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Auckland and Christchurch. Alternatively, Brisbane Airport is 86 kilometres (53 miles) north of the Gold Coast, and there are many shuttle services available.

Things to do at the Gold Coast Marathon

Get tips from the pros

The Gold Coast Marathon website offers a wealth of information to help you prepare for the race. Here, the marathon organisers share their top tips to kick start your training and help you reach the finish line, including entering early, setting your goals, getting the right footwear, how to start training, warm up and cool down exercises, how to stay hydrated, and knowing the course.

Run through paradise

A marathon is about one thing: running. You've prepared yourself, so pace yourself. The Gold Coast Marathon is one of the flattest – and most scenic – courses in Australia, passing the Gold Coast's picturesque beaches, so don't forget to enjoy the view. The marathon is held annually on the first weekend in July, right in the middle of Australia's winter. The weather conditions are ideal for running, with low humidity and mild temperatures. Feel inspired by the crowds cheering for you. Spectators will provide plenty of "runspiration" during the race to keep your spirits high and help you cross the finish line.

Choose your distance

The Gold Coast Marathon has races to suit all ages and abilities. These include the full marathon, wheelchair marathon, half marathon, 15-kilometre (9.3-mile) wheelchair race, 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) run, 5.7-kilometre (3.5-mile) challenge, and the 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) and 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) junior dashes. You can enter as a team, with a running buddy, or as a solo runner.

Meet running legends

Over the course of the weekend, there are many opportunities to meet running ambassadors in person. In 2017, runners had the chance to ask race legends and ambassadors Rob de Castella, Pat Carroll, Steve Moneghetti, Lee Troop and Benita Willis their training questions via an exclusive live Q&A session on the Gold Coast Marathon Facebook page.

Explore the Gold Coast

Once you've finished your run you'll have the opportunity to explore all that the Gold Coast has to offer. The region is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia thanks to its spectacular beaches, fantastic theme parks and great restaurants and cafés. In the Gold Coast there's accommodation to suit every budget, from the luxury five-star hotels on the sand's edge to self-contained apartments.