The Gold Coast is the fastest big-city marathon in Australia, and the numbers explain why: a flat, AIMS-certified loop along the Broadwater, stable cool conditions in early July, and a field of around 26,000 from more than 60 countries. That scale gives it a major-marathon feel few races here can match.
The course runs as an out-and-back along the coast from Southport, almost entirely flat and heavily supported, which is exactly why it produces fast times year after year. For a Boston qualifier or a first sub-4, it is one of the best shots in the country.
The weekend covers two days (4 and 5 July in 2026). Saturday holds the half marathon, the wheelchair events, the 10km and the 2km Junior Dash; the marathon is Sunday. Entries open in early December and the marathon usually sells out inside 48 hours. There is no ballot, so it rewards the organised. Set a reminder for the December open.
Coolangatta Airport is about 30 minutes from the Southport start, with direct flights from most capital cities. The race precinct sits between Southport and Surfers Paradise, so beds run from budget rooms to beachfront resorts. Book early; it is one of the Coast's busiest weekends.
