ASICS Gold Coast Marathon sets a new benchmark as visitation and economic impact records skyrocket

The 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon delivered the strongest economic and tourism results in the event’s 46-year history with 43,000 registered participants and thousands of supporters driving record breaking visitation and spending.

Total visitor spending in Queensland surged past 2025 figures by an impressive 25 per cent, generating a record economic impact of $82.1million. Attendance was also strides ahead of last year with 85,772 participants and supporters travelling to the event – a 12 per cent increase that makes 2026 the strongest visitation performance in the event’s history.

The figures cement the marathon as the most valuable annual mass-participation sporting event on the Queensland calendar, surpassing all previous benchmarks for participation, economic return and overall impact.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell MP said the outstanding economic and tourism outcomes reflected the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to growing Queensland’s visitor economy through the Destination 2045 plan.

“The Gold Coast Marathon has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s events calendar for decades, and this year’s result highlights not only the strength of this iconic event, but also the enduring appeal of the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations,” Minister Powell said.

“The event generated more than $82 million for the economy and attracted more than 67,000 visitors to the region, filling accommodation, supporting local cafes and restaurants, and bringing an unmistakable energy and vibrancy to the Gold Coast across the weekend.

“Major events like the Gold Coast Marathon play a critical role in driving economic growth, supporting local jobs, and showcasing Queensland to the world.

“As we build towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we’re cementing Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of Australia and strengthening our position as a leading international tourism destination for decades to come.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate said he was delighted with the economic and tourism outcomes delivered by this year’s event and acknowledged the continued rise in the event’s popularity.

“The benefits from the Marathon weekend goes much further than achieving PB’s, extending to a significant economic injection into the city’s accommodation providers, shopping precincts, cafes and restaurants and our many attractions.

“And importantly it also highlights the Gold Coast as a destination that delivers world-class events and experiences.”

Events Queensland Management (EMQ) Chairman Paul Donovan said he was absolutely thrilled but not surprised at the figures given the increase in participation and the incredible attendance around the event precinct and on course over race weekend.

“This was always going to be a big year, and we couldn’t be prouder of the economic and tourism impact that this home-grown event has on the Gold Coast and Queensland.

“There was a great vibe and energy about every aspect of the event this year from the ASICS Sport and Leisure Expo and across the event precinct – the crowds were happy and excited to be there… that’s a really good feeling.

“The course spans five council divisions and provides exceptional opportunities for the city to showcase iconic assets and celebrate the Gold Coast and Queensland’s most lucrative mass participation event.

“I have so much admiration for the team at EMQ who with a band of merry and dedicated volunteers and an extended operations crew deliver this phenomenal event with great skill, pride and passion.”

Events Management Queensland CEO, Ben Mannion said the team and stakeholders behind the scenes deserved a huge round of applause for the work they do with such a commitment to delivering a world-class event for everyone.

“The economic impact figures are truly outstanding with the spend in the Gold Coast region increasing by 22 percent to $70.35m and spending in other parts of Queensland escalating by 39 per cent to $11.75m.

“The tourism /attendance figures also speak volumes with every area including number of attendees (participants/supporters), visitors to the Gold Coast and Queensland, day trippers and overnight visitors all enjoying significant increases.

“And those who participated for a Grassrootz charity deserve recognition too with a record $1.53 million raised to make a difference to people, groups and causes that need support.

“We are incredibly proud of the results this year but it’s now time to head back to the drawing board, to meticulously review each area of event operations, analyse the participant survey results and look at how we can do it all again…and make it an event greater experience for all involved,” Mr Mannion said.

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

•    EMQ Media Tamara Morris – 0400 658 429
•    EMQ Media Adam Gardini – 0402 487 575

Events Management Queensland (EMQ) is a major event company and proudly managers the delivery of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Gold Coast T100 Triathlon, the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Running Festival, the Transurban Bridge to Brisbane presented by Brooks and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games.

EMQ produces high profile, mass participation sporting events that maximise economic and tourism impact to the region. EMQ is wholly owned by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and is supported by Experience Gold Coast.

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.