Noosa has a reputation as one of Australia's most desirable places to be, and the ASICS Runaway Noosa Marathon does nothing to challenge that reputation. Set against the backdrop of Noosa National Park, the Noosa River, and the iconic main beach, this is a race that's as much about the destination as the distance — and the destination is spectacular. The late May timing hits a sweet spot: Queensland winter is just beginning, the tourist crowds of peak season have eased, and the running conditions are about as close to perfect as you'll find anywhere on the east coast.
The Runaway Noosa Marathon uses a multi-lap course based in Noosa Heads, weaving through some of the most beautiful natural and urban scenery in Queensland. The course takes in the Noosa National Park coastal track, Hastings Street (the main strip), the beachfront, and sections along the Noosa River. It's a road event, mostly flat, and the multi-loop design means spectators get multiple chances to see their runners — a feature that helps create an unusually vibrant atmosphere for what's really a mid-sized event.
Four distances on offer for 23 May 2026: the Full Marathon (42.2km, two loops), Half Marathon (21.1km, one loop), 10km, and 5km fun run/walk. The half marathon is particularly popular and entries tend to sell out well before race day, so register as soon as entries open if that's your distance.
One of the best things about the Runaway Noosa Marathon is what surrounds it. Noosa Heads is an extraordinary town — the national park, the main beach, the river, and Hastings Street's world-class restaurants and cafes all within a few minutes of each other. Come for the race, stay for the weekend. Noosa is the kind of place that makes you question all your life choices that led to you living somewhere less beautiful.
Noosa is roughly 90 minutes north of Brisbane (or 20 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport). Accommodation in Noosa Heads is premium but excellent — book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting for a long weekend. The event starts early enough that you'll want to stay the night before rather than attempting a same-day drive from Brisbane.
