Race Report: ASICS Gold Coast Marathon Women’s Race Record smashed by relative newcomer
A diminutive 23-year-old Japanese surprise packet today smashed the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon women’s race record, stunningly in just her second marathon.
The Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS delivered the numbers in more ways than just record participation in 2024 with the event recording an all-time high economic impact of almost $50 million.
The figure eclipses past economic impacts and cleanly swiped the record from the 2023 event with an increase of $13 million in spending by Gold Coast Marathon participants, spectators and supporters.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said the Gold Coast Marathon is a jewel in the Queensland events portfolio and it’s fantastic to see its popularity grow.
“The Gold Coast Marathon has delivered in strides this year with record attendance from more than 50 countries and every state and territory in Australia.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS and we applaud those involved on their contribution to making this event such a success.”
Events Management Queensland Chairman Paul Donovan said the outstanding economic figures were complemented by the tourism/visitor numbers that indicate total attendance at the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS rose from 47,755 in 2023 to 55,669 in 2024.
“The Tourism Value Report provided by Tourism and Events Queensland provides us with a tourism and economic analysis and comparison to the previous years to support us with ongoing market development.
“We are beyond delighted with the figures this year which are indicative of the sellout of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, the Half Marathon and the Southern Cross University 10km run with increases in participation across all other events over race weekend.
“This year has set the scene for the future of this iconic event. We are grateful to all the stakeholders who worked so diligently with us to deliver a solution to grow the marathon and welcome so many more people to the event and our city.
“And to top off a fantastic year we recorded a huge $589,000 in funds raised for charities by individuals and teams who used the event to fundraise and make a difference to so many people and groups in need of support,” Mr Donovan said.
Acting City of Gold Coast Mayor Cr Donna Gates said the Gold Coast Marathon continues to go from strength to strength.
“Its impact on the city is far beyond personal bests, with the economic injection into our city supporting accommodation, cafes and restaurants, retail and more.
“We also receive an incredible boost to the city’s profile with stunning pictures and vision from the event showcasing the Gold Coast around the world,” Cr Gates said.
Events Management Queensland proudly delivers the annual Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport 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.
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.
Start line of the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASCIS
Arial of Surfers Paradise during Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS
RUNNERS. TAG YOUR PHOTOS WITH #GCM24