Get ready to race in this year's Gold Coast Marathon

EVENT

Competitors finishing the Gold Coast Marathon in 2024.

By Danielle Reckless

Published 2 months ago

When: 5 - 6 July 2025

The Gold Coast isn’t just about surf and sunshine (though there’s plenty of that). It’s also a top spot to sweat it out, with a view. Swap the treadmill for beach runs, misty hinterland hikes or a sunrise stretch session on the sand.

And when it comes to flexing those fitness goals, the Gold Coast Marathon is the main event. Back for 2025, this fast, flat and ridiculously scenic course brings the buzz, with thousands of cheer-squad legends lining the track.

It’s not just for elite runners either — there’s a race for everyone. Go big with the marathon or double marathon (yep, 63km), test yourself with the half or 10km, or join the wheelchair races, junior dash or fun run. Can’t make it in person? No worries—you can join virtually from wherever you are.

Training, cheering or clocking a new PB, here’s your go-to guide for the Gold Coast Marathon and how to make a weekend of it.

Gold Coast Marathon: Pre-Race:

A group of friends enjoying breakfast at an outdoor cafe — Paddock Bakery, Gold Coast

Achieving a personal best needs plenty of fuel, and the Gold Coast has plenty of places to satisfy your tastebuds and energy levels ahead of the big event.

Check out these breakfast spots, feast your way through vegan hotspots, or get a table with the best view at these seaside joints.

When race day arrives, getting to the event is easy with competitors able to travel for free on the Gold Coast light rail.

Gold Coast Marathon: Mid-Race

There’s nothing like running to a backdrop of uninterrupted blue skies and matching ocean hues.

And for friendly competition, you’ll join thousands of participants as they weave through Surfers Paradise and its surrounding beachfront on one of the flattest and fastest courses in the world, from Paradise Point to Burleigh Heads.

Combined with the unbeatable Queensland winter conditions (low humidity, mild temps and little to no wind), the event is as perfect as it gets. Both experienced and amateur runners can strive for new personal best times on this course. In fact, 60% of participants achieve a PB here each year.

Not only has this marathon got looks, but its personality matches the beauty. You won’t need to fret about losing momentum during the race, with the thousands of spectators cheering you on from the sidelines. The electric atmosphere will keep the adrenaline pumping to the finish line.

Gold Coast Marathon: Post-Race

A runner running over a finish line at a marathon — Gold Coast Marathon

Congratulations! Finishing the Gold Coast Marathon is a huge achievement - and there's no better place to get some R&R afterwards than right here on these famous golden sands.

Cool down those muscles with a relaxing swim at one of the many beaches lining the coast. After a dip, replenish your energy levels at one of these fantastic restaurants as a reward for all your hard work.

Explore the Gold Coast

Group of friends walking along the oceanfront pathway through the National Park — Burleigh Head National Park, Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is jam-packed with spectacular spots to lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement (or trails). Work your way through this picture-perfect run sheet to build your endurance ahead of the Gold Coast Marathon.

Burleigh Head National Park boasts some incredible coastal trails. The Oceanview Walk to the top of the hill ends with a view of the pristine waters of the creek and the waves of Palm Beach.

Set your sights on 93 hectares of coastal bushland at the Federation Walk Conservation Reserve. Start your day with a run to the Gold Coast Seaway (known to locals as The Spit), and you'll be rewarded with views stretching back to the city.

Head to the Gold Coast's southernmost point, Coolangatta's Point Danger, to run along the boardwalk. This scenic track gives a prime view of the pro surfers carving it up at Snapper Rocks, and if you’re lucky, between June and September you could spot the infamous humpback whales in their migration south. Check out our guide to Coolangatta’s hippest hangouts.

Explore beyond the beaches in the Currumbin Valley: walk the Mount Cougal section of Springbrook National Park, return for a cool down in the Currumbin Rock Pools before heading to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to spend the afternoon cuddling up to local animals.

Hike the hinterland at Lamington National Park for sweeping views of the Gold Coast mountains, rainforest, and waterfalls. Stay overnight in this forest fantasy at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to make the most of your hinterland adventure.

Top Gold Coast Marathon tips

Competitors running through Surfers Paradise — Gold Coast Marathon

Whether it's your first-ever marathon or you're returning to beat your PB, follow these tips for a great day out.

Training is essential. Build up your stamina and put in the practice hours before you tackle the real thing.
Don’t do anything new on race day: this isn't the time to wear new shoes.
Bring your family along to cheer you on.
Set a realistic goal for yourself, it will make the achievement that much more special
Have fun!

Discover more endurance events in Queensland here.