Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
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Race Schedule
| Distance | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10km | Sun, 02 Aug | 06:30 |
| 2km Mini Marathon | Sun, 02 Aug | 06:30 |
| 5km | Sun, 02 Aug | 06:30 |
| Half Marathon | Sun, 02 Aug | 06:30 |
| Marathon | Sun, 02 Aug | 06:30 |
Event Details
About This Event
The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is a premier running event showcasing the stunning Sunshine Coast, with multiple distances for all abilities.
Course Description
The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival showcases the spectacular coastline from Alexandra Headlands through Mooloolaba. Runners enjoy flat, fast courses along beachfront paths with stunning ocean views throughout. The marathon and half marathon routes feature scenic stretches past iconic Sunshine Coast landmarks, pristine beaches, and vibrant coastal communities. The predominantly flat terrain makes this an excellent course for personal bests, while the 10km and 5km options provide shorter distances on equally picturesque sections. The 2km Mini Marathon offers young runners and families a fun introduction to event participation. Ocean breezes and coastal atmosphere create an inspiring race day experience for participants of all abilities.
Quick Facts
Getting There
The event is based at Buhk Park, Alexandra Headlands, adjacent to Alexandra Headlands Surf Club on the Esplanade. Street parking is available along the beachfront and in surrounding streets, though arrive early as spaces fill quickly. Public car parks are located nearby at Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba. Sunbus services run regularly to the area from major Sunshine Coast hubs. Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before your race start time to collect your bib if needed and complete your warm-up.
Weather & What to Pack
Early August on the Sunshine Coast typically offers mild winter conditions perfect for running. Expect morning temperatures between 12-18°C, with clear skies and low humidity common. The coastal location means ocean breezes can make it feel cooler, especially at the 6:30 AM start. Light layers are recommended for warm-up, which you can shed before the race. Winter on the Sunshine Coast is generally dry with minimal rainfall. Sun protection is still essential as UV levels remain moderate. These comfortable conditions make it ideal for achieving personal bests across all distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where do I collect my race bib?
Race bibs can be collected from the Registration Desk at Buhk Park, Alexandra Headlands on Thursday 30 July (2-6pm), Friday 31 July (9am-5pm), or Saturday 1 August (8am-4pm). Alternatively, you can choose bib mail-out during registration (by 22 June) for $15 to receive it at your Australian address. Strictly no bib collection on race day.
What merchandise is included and when can I collect it?
Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10km entries include a free event t-shirt. Merchandise can be collected during registration hours (Thu-Sat) or from the Merchandise Store on race day (6:30am-12:30pm). If you opted for bib mail-out, you'll still need to collect any merchandise at the event - it won't be posted.
Is this course suitable for first-time marathoners or half marathoners?
Absolutely. The flat, coastal course is ideal for debut marathon and half marathon attempts. The scenic beachfront route provides excellent crowd support and ocean views to keep you motivated. The mild August weather conditions on the Sunshine Coast also favour strong performances and comfortable running.
What's the course time limit?
Check the official website for specific cut-off times for each distance. The flat nature of the course and 6:30 AM start time provide ample daylight hours for participants of all paces to complete their chosen distance comfortably.
Are there aid stations on the course?
Yes, aid stations are positioned at regular intervals along all courses providing water and electrolyte drinks. Longer distances (marathon and half marathon) typically feature more frequent aid stations. Specific locations and what's available at each station will be detailed in your pre-race communication.
Last updated: 27 December 2025
