ASICS GOLD COAST MARATHON SCALES NEW HEIGHTS WITH RECORD 42,000 ENTRIES

The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon has reached a record-breaking milestone, surpassing 42,000 entries following a surge of unprecedented demand with two months to go before the starter’s gun on July 4-5.

Hot off the heels of a record-breaking 2025 event which attracted 39,000 runners and recorded $65.67 million in economic impact, the 2026 event will scale new heights after attracting overwhelming interest from interstate and international participants.

Reinforcing the growing popularity of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon as one of the world’s premier running events, this year’s event has already attracted participants from a record 59 countries.

EMQ Chairman Paul Donovan said the results would act as a major boost for the Gold Coast’s visitor economy, with tens of thousands of participants, supporters and spectators expected to travel to the region.

“To reach a record 42,000 entries with two months still to go is a fantastic achievement and a strong indicator of the event’s continued growth,” said Donovan.

“The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon delivers enormous benefits for local businesses and showcases our city to a global audience.

“We are really excited to see just how big this year’s event will be as we look to build on the success of last year’s event which was the biggest in our 45-year history.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “Bigger, better and brighter is the best way to describe the 2026 ASIC Gold Coast Marathon.

“This year will be the 46^th edition of the weekend running festival but it is also a further step, excuse the pun, in our city’s evolution as one of the most vibrant, engaging and welcoming sporting cities on the globe.

“Let’s lace up for another weekend of PBs, smiles and off-course entertainment.’’

EMQ CEO Ben Mannion said the milestone was a significant result which reinforces the event’s standing as a must-do on the global running calendar.

“This is an incredible result and one the EMQ team should be proud of given the amount of work that has gone into growing the event in recent years,” said Mannion.

“With the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, China Airlines Half Marathon and Southern Cross University 10km already sold out, this highlights the event’s broader appeal – from elite athletes chasing times to first-time runners taking on a personal challenge.

“But there are still plenty of opportunities for runners to take part in the Gold Coast Airport 5km and Australia Fair 2km dash.

“Participants still wanting to take part in the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon or China Airlines Half Marathon can do so via our Charity Place Entries, which offers a limited number of entries in exchange for a minimum amount raised for our charity partners.”

The Gold Coast Marathon will be held on July 4-5, 2026, with organisers encouraging runners and supporters alike to be part of what is shaping as the biggest event in its history.

Samantha Hughes (2000 Gold Coast Marathon Winner)