If you've got a PB chasing habit and a love of warm weather, the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon was essentially built for you. Held over the first weekend of July in Southport, Queensland, it's consistently ranked among the top marathons in the world — not just in Australia — for its flat, fast course, immaculate organisation, and genuinely electric atmosphere. Oh, and the weather in July? Chef's kiss. Cool mornings, light winds, and blue skies that make the Gold Coast feel like a gift.
The Gold Coast Marathon course is AIMS-certified and famous for its speed. Starting and finishing in the heart of Southport, the route takes runners along the stunning Gold Coast foreshore, past Surfers Paradise, and back — with the Pacific Ocean glittering beside you for much of the journey. It's flat, it's fast, and if conditions are right, you will run a PB. The field regularly produces sub-2:10 elite performances, which tells you everything about the quality of this course.
The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon weekend runs across two days — Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July 2026. Saturday is packed with action: the Gold Coast Half Marathon, the Wheelchair 10km, the Airport 5km, and the 2km Junior Dash. Sunday belongs to the marathon itself, along with the Wheelchair Marathon. Whether you're gunning for a marathon finish line or chasing your first half, there's a race for you.
Yes — fast. Entry opens in early December each year and the marathon typically sells out within 48 hours. No ballot, just first-in-best-dressed, so set yourself a reminder when entries open. The half marathon and other distances take a little longer to fill, but don't sleep on it.
Registration opens at 9am AEST in early December, with entries available directly at goldcoastmarathon.com.au. Pricing varies by category and increases as the event date approaches, so registering early gets you the best rate. Charity and travel package entries are also available if you miss the general ballot.
The Gold Coast Marathon has a proud history of elite performances. The race attracts some of the world's fastest marathon runners, and the course records are the kind of times that make amateur runners spit out their coffee. But it's also a race where thousands of everyday runners find their own glory — whether that's a first marathon finish, a new PB, or simply crossing the line at one of Australia's best events.
The Gold Coast is brilliantly well-connected. Coolangatta Airport (OOL) is just 30 minutes from Southport and is served by all major domestic airlines, with direct international flights from New Zealand and several Asian cities. The race village is right in the heart of Southport/Surfers Paradise, so accommodation options are everywhere — from budget-friendly hostels to five-star resorts on the beach. Book early, especially if you're travelling with family.
More than 60 countries are typically represented at the Gold Coast Marathon start line. It's one of the few Australian races with a genuine World Marathon Majors feel — enormous crowds, a professional expo, elite competition, and an atmosphere that gives you goosebumps. It's the kind of event that makes you understand why people run marathons.
