The Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS has released details of the course amendments that will enable 30,000 participants to compete in the event across race weekend Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2024.

Events Management Queensland (EMQ) CEO Ben Mannion said an early increase in demand from running enthusiasts to compete in Australia’s premier road race was followed by long hours spent with key event stakeholders to land on a revised route which will allow almost 4,000 more runners on previous years to compete in the signature 42.195km marathon.

“We are incredibly excited by the surge in interest for our event and grateful to the stakeholders who have worked with our team to ensure a course that is safe and comfortable for the volume of runners this year.

“We have initiated a comprehensive community engagement campaign to ensure those businesses and residents along the new marathon route are aware of the changes in their area on Sunday 7 July including road closure details.

Mr Mannion said the early interest in the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS meant there was still almost 9,000 participants wait listed for the two main distance events.

“We appreciate the patience of participants on the waitlist and have kept them informed as best we can about their positioning and possibilities of gaining a place this year.

“At this point marathon participants who entered before or close to 17 January will likely gain an entry into the 42.195km race with half marathon participants who entered by 5 February also expected to be advised of an allocation.

“We are doing our utmost to accommodate as many participants as possible, but we will always prioritise the safety and comfort of our runners to ensure their Gold Coast Marathon experience is the best it can be for everyone.

Mr Mannion said the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS will shine a global spotlight on the region with a live broadcast beamed around the world.  The event will inject more than $30 million into the local economy this year with more than 50 per cent of participants travelling from interstate or overseas.

Course changes to the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS – Sunday 7 July 2024:

• A new look start line 600m south of the previous start located at the southern end of Southport Broadwater Parklands
• After running over the Sundale Bridge into Main Beach participants enter the first new section of the course heading northbound up Sea World Drive and returning south at Sea World.
• Participants continue southbound running alongside the iconic Gold Coast beaches and into Surfers Paradise as per previous years.
• To avoid tight sections and ensure runner comfort the course will enter another new section, past Q1 and across the tram tracks out to the Gold Coast Highway via Clifford Street.
• Participants reconnect to the coastal roads via Fern Street, travelling through Broadbeach on Old Burleigh Road.
• To ensure plenty of road width the course heads down Alexandra Avenue and back onto the Gold Coast Highway. Participants then head down to Mermaid Beach coming coming back east at Seashell Avenue and turning onto Albatross Avenue.
• The course will see a new southern turn point to head north at Miami to avoid G:Link construction along the Gold Coast Highway.
• Participants then head north along the coastal roads with one way access along Hedges Avenue providing more space for an enjoyable run.
• Continuing north participants will pass through Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Main Beach and back onto Sundale Bridge.
• Running alongside the beautiful Broadwater participants will complete a northern turn point in Runaway Bay and head south for the finish line.
• Participants will turn into the finish chute flanked by excited well-wishers and pass under the 250m to go bridge before rounding the corner to reach the iconic Gold Coast Marathon blue carpet and finish line.

The Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS and the Gold Coast Half Marathon are currently at capacity however there is still opportunity to be a part of the action and enter the CPL Wheelchair Marathon and 10km Wheelchair event, the Southern Cross University 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport 5km Run, the 2km or 4km Junior Dash or the 4km Wheelchair race.

Events Management Queensland proudly delivers the annual Gold Coast Marathon, Toowoomba Marathon and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games and is proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland. The event’s feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Events Management Queensland acknowledges and pays respect to the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region, the Saltwater People of the Gold Coast, as the traditional owners of the lands and waters upon which we invite and welcome participants from across the globe to experience our events.