The Gold Coast Marathon is Australia's premier race for fast times. With its pancake-flat beachfront course and mild Queensland winter weather, it has become a destination race for runners worldwide seeking personal bests during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
The Course
The course runs along the Gold Coast's famous beaches, from Southport to Burleigh Heads and back. With only 35 meters of total elevation gain, it's one of the flattest marathon courses anywhere in the world.
Beach Running Paradise
The course showcases Queensland's famous coastline:
- Southport Broadwater (Start) - Calm waterway views
- Main Beach (miles 2-5) - Start of the beachfront
- Surfers Paradise (miles 6-8) - Gold Coast's famous strip
- Broadbeach (miles 9-11) - Resort area
- Mermaid Beach (miles 12-14) - Continuing south
- Burleigh Heads (turnaround) - Halfway point
- Return journey (miles 14-26) - Back along the beaches
- Southport (Finish) - Return to the start
Why It's Fast
Several factors combine to make Gold Coast ideal for PBs:
- Terrain: Only 35m elevation gain - virtually flat
- Weather: July means cool, dry Queensland winter
- Surface: Smooth, well-maintained roads
- Course: Simple out-and-back minimizes turns
- Elite field: Strong competition pulls everyone faster
Why Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast has earned its reputation as Australia's fastest marathon. The combination of flat terrain, perfect winter weather, and excellent organization has made it a bucket-list race for serious marathon runners.
For Northern Hemisphere runners, the July timing offers a unique opportunity - race in winter conditions while it's summer at home.
Getting In
Gold Coast uses open registration:
- Registration opens approximately 10 months before race day
- No lottery or qualification required
- World Athletics Gold Label race
- Popular with international runners, so register early
- Multiple distances including marathon, half marathon, 10K
Race Day Tips
- The flat course rewards even pacing - Don't go out too fast
- July mornings can be cool - Layers at the start are wise
- Beachside wind is possible - Usually not strong, but be aware
- Turnaround at Burleigh is the halfway point - Assess your race there
- The second half retraces your steps - You know what's coming