ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

Saturday, 3 July 2027

Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport, QLD

Where to stay for race weekend

Half Marathon & 10K

Gold Coast Events Management Ltd

About This Event

The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon takes you on a flat, fast and scenic road race through Southport’s Broadwater Parklands. With multiple distances from a 2 km junior dash to a 63.3 km double, it welcomes elite runners, families, and first‑timers alike.

Events

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Saturday 3 July

Half Marathon China Airlines Half Marathon

6:15am
Wheelchair 10km Gold Coast Recreation and Sport Wheelchair 10km

9:15am
10km Run Southern Cross University 10km Run

9:25am
2km Junior Dash Kids Australia Fair 2km Junior Dash

11:10am
Wheelchair 5km Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Wheelchair 5km

11:30am
5km

11:45am
Double 63.3km Fixx Nutrition Gold Coast Double 63.3km

Start TBA

Sunday 4 July

Wheelchair Marathon Gold Coast Recreation and Sport Wheelchair Marathon

6:05am
Marathon ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

6:15am

Quick Facts

Date: Saturday, 03 July 2027 (race weekend Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 July)
Terrain: Road
Location: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport, QLD
Entry Fee: 2027 entries open early December 2026; fees not yet published
Difficulty: Moderate
Start Time: Sunday 6:15 am (marathon); Saturday events from 6:15 am (half marathon)
Good for Beginners: Yes – the flat, sea‑level course is forgiving and 60% of participants achieve a personal best.

From 124 marathoners in 1979 to 43,000 runners

edition, 3-4 July 2027: 47th
registered participants in 2026: 43,000
race and Australian marathon record: 2:06:20
economic impact of the 2026 weekend: $82.1m

The first Gold Coast Marathon was run on 2 September 1979 at Evandale, started by the Rotary Club of Surfers Paradise Central as part of a health awareness campaign. It had 124 runners in the marathon, 144 in the half and 423 in the fun run. Eric Sigmont won the men's race in 2:28:44 and Mary Murison the women's in 2:58:17, and both were sent to run the Honolulu Marathon as a prize.

Aerial view of the Surfers Paradise skyline and Main Beach — Main Beach and Surfers Paradise, which the marathon runs past twice · Photo: Bob T, CC BY-SA 4.0

It moved to Surfers Paradise in 1981, Broadbeach in 1984 and the Southport Broadwater in the 1990s, with a spell at Runaway Bay from 1999. After falling into debt it was rescued in 2001 by the Queensland Government's events company and returned to the Broadwater in 2002, and it kept growing: a record 21,012 runners for the 30th edition in 2008, a two-day format from 2010, and in 2014 it became the first Australian marathon to hold an IAAF Gold Label. That year Kenya's Silah Limo ran 2:09:14, breaking Rob de Castella's Australian all-comers record from the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

The 2020 and 2021 races were cancelled because of COVID-19. A new course in 2024 made room for about 4,000 more marathon runners, and the 2026 weekend drew 43,000 registered participants. Haftu Strintzos became the first Australian to win the marathon in 20 years, running 2:06:20 to break the race record by 73 seconds and set new Australian and Oceania records. The 47th edition is on 3 and 4 July 2027.

1979First race at Evandale: 124 marathoners, 144 half marathoners and 423 fun runners.
1984Based at Broadbeach for the first time, with more than 1,400 participants.
1996The 10km is introduced and a record 11,902 people take part.
2001Rescued from debt by the Queensland Government's events company.
2008A record 21,012 runners for the 30th edition.
2014First Australian marathon with an IAAF Gold Label; Silah Limo sets an Australian all-comers record of 2:09:14.
2020Cancelled because of COVID-19, as was the 2021 race; both ran as virtual events.
2024New course with room for about 4,000 more marathon runners; Yuki Nakamura sets the women's record of 2:24:22.
2026Haftu Strintzos wins in 2:06:20, an Australian record, and 43,000 people register.

Free training

Training for ASICS Gold Coast Marathon?

Race day is Sat 3 Jul 2027, 35 weeks away. Free training plans start up to 20 weeks before race day, so a plan for it can start from 15 February. Save it now; until then, 12 weeks of building is a good start.

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Event Details

Date Sat 3 Jul – Sun 4 Jul

Location Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport, QLD

State QLD

Terrain Road

Organizer Gold Coast Events Management Ltd

Additional Information

Flat, scenic course along the Gold Coast beaches. The 2027 event is on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2027.

Course Description

The marathon follows a certified road circuit that hugs the sparkling Broadwater and Gold Coast’s famous surf beaches. The route is completely flat with no hills, making it ideal for personal‑best attempts and Boston‑qualifying times. Runners will pass iconic landmarks such as the Sea World marine park, the Gold Coast Broadwater, and the vibrant Southport waterfront promenade. Aid stations are spaced every 5 km, offering water, sports drinks and medical support. The course is AIMS‑certified, well‑marked and finishes back at Broadwater Parklands where a lively finish line atmosphere awaits.

Course guide, section by section

The race precinct
Everything is based at the Broadwater Parklands on Marine Parade, Southport: start and finish, bag drop, food and the information booth. It's on the G:link light rail, and every race finishes in one chute beside the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
Two start lines
The marathon, wheelchair marathon, 10km and wheelchair 10km start on the Gold Coast Highway at Nerang Street and head south. The half marathon, 5km, wheelchair 5km and 2km Junior Dash start just south of Nerang Street and head north.
South to Miami
Since the 2024 course change, the marathon crosses Sundale Bridge into Main Beach, runs a loop up Sea World Drive, then heads south past the beaches of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach to its southern turn at Miami.
North to Runaway Bay
Back north along the coastal roads and over Sundale Bridge, the course turns at Runaway Bay and runs south beside the Broadwater to the finish. The out-and-back shape means you see the leaders and the rest of the field coming the other way.
Flat, fast and cool
The organisers put the marathon's total elevation at 62m, all courses are AIMS certified, and the race is held in midwinter for low humidity and mild temperatures. They say more than 60% of runners set a personal best.
Where to watch
Official spectator zones include the race precinct, Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Pratten Park at Broadbeach, the Miami turn and Runaway Bay.

Surfers Paradise high-rises including Q1 above the beach — Surfers Paradise, the course's best-known stretch · Photo: Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0

Winners & records

2026 winners

Race	Category	Winner	Time
Marathon	Men	Haftu Strintzos (AUS)	2:06:20
Marathon	Women	Almaz Kebebe (ETH)	2:24:53
Half marathon	Men	Shumpei Tomita (JPN)	1:00:52
Half marathon	Women	Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS)	1:07:29
Wheelchair marathon	Men	Kota Hokinoue (JPN)	1:39:02
Wheelchair marathon	Women	Madison de Rozario (AUS)	1:57:03

Race records

Race	Category	Holder	Time	Year
Marathon	Men	Haftu Strintzos (AUS)	2:06:20	2026
Marathon	Women	Yuki Nakamura (JPN)	2:24:22	2024
Half marathon	Men	Shumpei Tomita (JPN)	1:00:52	2026
Half marathon	Women	Keira D'Amato (USA)	1:06:39	2023
Wheelchair marathon	Men	Kurt Fearnley (AUS)	1:30:18	2016
Wheelchair marathon	Women	Christie Dawes (AUS)	1:43:45	2016

From the official race records. Strintzos's 2:06:20 is also the Australian and Oceania marathon record.

Runners at the finish of the 1986 Gold Coast Marathon — The 1986 Gold Coast Marathon · Photo: Queensland State Archives, CC BY 2.0

In their words

It hasn’t quite registered yet, I’m sure it will soon. It’s quite a memorable moment, a breakthrough moment for me

Haftu Strintzos, marathon winner and record holder, 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

The crowd was cheering for the Australian very loud, the loudest crowd I have ever raced in front of

Hidekazu Hijikata, marathon runner-up, 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

The energy on this course is one of my favourites in the world, I think it’s one of the reasons we always try to come back

Madison de Rozario, five-time wheelchair marathon champion ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

Great course, flat course, great beaches. It was wonderful

Antonina Kwambai, women's marathon runner-up, 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

Sources for this page

Getting There

The race starts and finishes at Broadwater Parklands in Southport. Parking facilities and public‑transport options (bus and train) are provided nearby. For exact parking locations, costs and recommended public‑transport routes, visit the official website. Arrive with plenty of time to collect your bib and warm up before the 6:15 am start.

Where to Stay

Places to stay near the start, priced for race weekend.

We may earn a small referral fee if you book through this map — you pay the same price.

Weather & What to Pack

July is winter in Queensland, with typical daytime highs around 21 °C and overnight lows near 9 °C. Expect low humidity and gentle breezes – perfect for running. Dress in layers: a light, breathable shirt, a long‑sleeve or light jacket for the early start, and a hat or visor for sun protection. Stay hydrated; a warm morning can feel cool, but you’ll still lose fluid during the race.

Race details last updated 28 Oct 2026

Ready to run ASICS Gold Coast Marathon?

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I register and how much does it cost?

The official site states that 2027 entries open in early December 2026. 2027 entry fees had not been published at the time of review, so check the official Enter page for current pricing.

Which days are the races held in 2027?

The 47th ASICS Gold Coast Marathon is held over the weekend of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2027. In 2026 the half marathon, 10km, 5km and junior dash ran on the Saturday and the marathons on the Sunday; the 2027 schedule had not been published at the time of review.

What is the marathon cut‑off time?

The marathon cut‑off is 6 hours 40 minutes from the start of the last wave (6:45 am). Runners must cross the finish line within this time.

Are there any mandatory gear requirements?

No specific mandatory gear is mentioned. Runners should wear appropriate running shoes, comfortable clothing for winter conditions, and consider a hat, sunglasses and a light jacket for the early start. Carry your race bib and any personal nutrition you need.

Can I enter as part of a team?

Team entries are offered, but the exact process and any team size limits are not detailed here. Visit the official website’s team entry page for full information.

parkruns near this race

Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.

Main Beach parkrun Sat 7:00am · 1.7 km away · Main Beach
Surfers Paradise parkrun Sat 7:00am · 4.2 km away · Chevron Island
Broadbeach Waters parkrun Sat 7:00am · 6.2 km away · Bundall

Find any parkrun →

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