2025 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon strides into history books with record tourism and economic impact figures

The economic impact and tourism figures for the 2025 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon are strides ahead of any the event has produced in its 45-year history with the 39,000 registered participants and their supporters eclipsing multiple records and making it the most valuable annual mass participation sporting event on the Queensland event calendar.

The total spend in Queensland by all event attendees blitzed previous 2024 figures by 54 per cent making an economic impact splash of $65.67 million. Visitor numbers also leapt ahead of any prior figures with 76,560 competing or accompanying people delivering an increase of 38 per cent this year.

Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell, said that the significant uplift in economic impact, visitor numbers, and participant engagement collectively contributed to a record-breaking event.

“The Gold Coast Marathon has firmly held a place in the state’s major events calendar for decades and this year’s exponential growth speaks not only to the quality of the event but the overarching experience and unique Gold Coast offering.

“The event attracted more than 58,000 people to the region, many of whom took the opportunity to extend their stay, whether remaining on the Gold Coast or through dispersal across the state, generating more than $65 million for the economy.

“The successful delivery of globally recognised events like the Gold Coast Marathon bodes well for Queensland as we cement ourselves as a premier international destination in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was absolutely delighted with the economic and tourism outcomes from the event and the fact that it is increasing in popularity every year.

“There is a ripple effect from the Gold Coast Marathon that goes further than achieving goals and personal bests.

“Its benefits extend to a significant economic injection to the city’s accommodation, restaurants, cafes, shopping precincts and importantly our profile as a destination that delivers world class events and experiences.”

Events Management Queensland Chairman Paul Donovan said he was thrilled with the economic and tourism figures this year and knew from the participation numbers, attendance around the event precinct over the weekend and outstanding crowd support along the entire route of the marathon that this was going to be a big year.

“There was a vibe this year like no other … it was bigger and better event than ever with the city filled to the brim with happy runners and their mates and family for days before and after race weekend.

“But no matter how good it was … it can always be better and we need to collaborate with the city and government to ensure the ingress and egress infrastructure for the event meets the whole of event experience expectations of our attendees.

“The G-Link light rail recorded a massive 80,000 door count over marathon weekend reminiscent of the 2018 Commonwealth Games – that’s how big the marathon is these days and we need to make sure it and other events on the Gold Coast can grow and competently manage the volume of people.

Mr Donovan said he was incredibly proud of the small team at Events Management Queensland who deliver this phenomenal event alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and extended operations crew – they are all to be applauded for their passion and commitment.

Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion reiterated the Chairman’s sentiments with regards the team and stakeholders who work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the iconic event.

“The Tourism Value report provides us with important statistics and figures and delivers comparisons on previous years for us to analyse with the participant survey sentiment results.

“Each year we strive to do better, take on board feedback and produce an unforgettable event experience for everyone involved and this year, I think we did just that.

“And the icing on the cake this year was also a record $1.08 million in funds raised for charities by individuals and teams who used the Gold Coast Marathon to fundraise and make a difference to people and groups in need of support.”