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FAQ

When will entries open?

Entries open at 9am (AEST) Monday 15 February 2021 and close at 11:59pm (AEST) Friday 4 June 2021.

Can I enter two events? 

Yes absolutely, please select the “Enter another race” option on your summary page after completing your first registration. 

If you have already registered and wish to enter a second event please complete the registration form for your second entry adding a middle initial to your first name. If you do not have a middle initial please feel free to choose any alphabet letter you like.  As an example, first entry – John Smith, second entry – John F Smith. 

Run the Gold Coast Double 63.3km and earn some extra bling! Compete in the Half Marathon on Saturday and the full Marathon on Sunday and celebrate your awesome achievement of endurance with an extra medal. 

Other possible double entry combinations: 

Saturday – 5km Fun Run, Sunday – Marathon
Saturday – Half Marathon, Sunday – 10km Run
Saturday – Half Marathon, Saturday – 5km Fun Run
Saturday – 5km Fun Run, Sunday – 10km Run
Saturday – 4km Junior Dash, Sunday – 10km Run (only available to those aged 12, 13 or 14)  

Please note due to timing, you will be unable to enter both the Marathon and 10km events. 

Can I get a refund? 

There are no refunds for non-starters or non-finishers. When an entrant registers, they accept the terms and conditions of entry. Below states clause 6 of the Indemnity & Release Agreement: 

I acknowledge that I am not (and no other person is) entitled to a refund or credit of any nature in relation to the entry fee(s) and/or ancillary items I have paid (for myself or another person), for any reason whatsoever, or in any circumstances, unless and to the extent that the Event Organiser is required to provide a refund or payment at law. 

For our covid specific refund clause please view the next question.

If you can no longer participate in the event for which you are currently entered, you are able to downgrade to a lower distance. If you are no longer able to participate in the event at all, you are able to transfer your entry to another person or compete in the Virtual Event –  

Transfer your entry: please complete your transfer via the Update my Entry portal.  

Compete in the Virtual Event: Email info@goldcoastmarathon.com.au 

Please note that transfers and race changes must be completed prior to closing of entries on Friday 4 June. 

What happens if the event is cancelled or entries restricted due to COVID-19? 

Should an entrant have COVID-19 like symptoms, have COVID-19 or be a close contact of a COVID-19 case, we encourage them to be responsible by staying away from the event.  If they are affected in these circumstances or a government health order prevents them from attending, we will refund fees paid less a $20 processing fee if they advise management by 11:59pm Sunday 4 July.  To process a refund in this situation please email info@goldcoastmarathon.com.au together with evidence of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your planned race. 

If the GCM21 is cancelled, or entries restricted, due to COVID-19 or restrictions placed by government preventing the staging of the GCM21, there are a number of remedies we will offer.  With all the GCM21 finishers rewards ordered and training completed, we encourage entrants to simply transfer to the Virtual GCM21 and be rewarded with a finisher’s shirt, race medal, virtual training runs and race number clips.  

If the GCM21 is cancelled due to COVID-19 or restrictions placed by government preventing the staging of the GCM21 and entrants are not able to complete the Virtual GCM21, we will refund fees paid less a $20 processing fee. 

How do I get my name printed on my Race Number? 

All entries will get to choose a name to be printed on your race number – you can choose to have your first name, a nickname or #GCM21. You will get to choose this on your registration form.  

What are the age restrictions for each event? 

• Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon – minimum age is 18 years old (as at race day, Sunday 4 July 2021) 
• Wheelchair Marathon – minimum age is 18 years old (as at race day, Sunday 4 July 2021) 
• ASICS Half Marathon – minimum age is 15 years old (as at race day, Saturday 3 July 2021) 
• Southern Cross University 10km Run – minimum age is 12 years old (as at race day, Sunday 4 July 2021) 
• Wheelchair 10km – minimum age is 12 years old (as at race day, Sunday 4 July 2021) 
• Gold Coast Airport 5km Fun Run – no age restriction however all entrants under 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult. 
• 4km Junior Dash – the entrant must be between 5 and 14 years old (as at race day, Saturday 3 July 2021). 
• 2km Junior Dash – the entrant must be between 5 and 10 years old (as at race day, Saturday 3 July 2021). 

Can I participate in racing wheelchair?  

Racing wheelchair entrants are invited to compete in the Wheelchair Marathon and Wheelchair 10km. You must be 18 years or older for the Wheelchair Marathon and 12 years or older for the Wheelchair 10km.   

No hand cycles are permitted. The 2021 Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon is conducted under Athletics Australia, World Para Athletics and World Athletics rules which clearly state that the Wheelchair Marathon is an athletics event and only a recognised racing wheelchair is permitted. No mechanical gears are permitted on the chair.  

Refer “Race Policies” for further information. 

Can I participate in a day wheelchair?  

The race organiser has strong risk management concerns about the inclusion of participants other than runners in our events based on the known congestion and inattentive behaviour of some runners and the potential for accidents to occur. Day wheelchairs may compete in any race (except for the Wheelchair Marathon and the Wheelchair 10km which are for racing wheelchair competitors only). For the safety of yourself and others, we recommend affixing a flag to your wheelchair and starting from the very rear of the starting field in each race. However, if you are an experienced participant you may elect to start in the start zone based on your anticipated finish time. Please note, age restrictions apply for each race.   

Hand cycles are not permitted.  

Refer “Race Policies” for further information.   

The Australian borders are closed to me, can I still compete and earn the #GCM21 Finishers Rewards? 

Yes absolutely, please check out our Virtual Event details.  

Race Numbers  

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, for the 2021 Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon we will be posting your race number directly to you. 

Race Entries close on Friday 4 June and we will commence packing and posting on Monday 7 June. Please expect your race number to arrive at your provided address between Wednesday 9 and Friday 25 June. 

If your race number does not arrive within this time period, please contact info@goldcoastmarathon.com.au for further options. 

Please ensure that the address you provide with your registration is correct. 

Will there be a check in centre and expo for #GCM21? 

Due to Covid Restrictions and the safety of our entrants, there will be no check in centre or expo for #GCM21. All Race Numbers will be posted to the address provided with your entry. 

Race Transfers and Changes 

Can I change races? 

Yes, you can change your race up until entries close on Friday 4 June. When downgrading your race distance, refunds will not be given. When upgrading your race, you will be required to pay the difference in entry fees. Please complete your upgrade/downgrade via the Update my Entry portal. 

Can I transfer my entry to someone else? 

Yes, entries can be transferred from one entrant to another. Transfers are only valid for the same year and up until Friday 4 June. Please complete your transfer via the Update my Entry portal. If downgrading your race distance once transferred, refunds will not be given. If upgrading your race, you will be required to pay the difference in entry fees. 

Can I transfer my entry to the 2022 Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon? 

No. Transfers are only valid for the year of the event. 

Junior Dash 

Can I run with my child in the Junior Dash? 

4km Junior Dash: Parents/guardians are not permitted to accompany children. 

2km Junior Dash: One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a child free of charge if they deem this necessary. Please complete the accompanying parent details when registering your child. All accompanying parents will be required to wear specific passes to enter the course which will be supplied with the child’s race pack. If you deem it necessary to accompanying your child you must start with them in Start Zone B. 

How do I collect my child after the race? 

Included with the Junior Dash race number will be a parent recovery area access pass. This pass will allow one person per child access into the Junior Dash Recovery Area post race to collect your child. More information on the location of the Junior Dash Recovery Area will be provided with the race pack. 

Note: The recovery area pass will not enable you to accompany your child in the race. If you wish to accompany your child in the 2km Junior Dash please complete the accompanying parent details when registering your child. All accompanying parents will be required to wear specific passes to enter the course which will be supplied with the child’s race pack. 

Other 

Can I participate with a baby in a pram? 

Yes, prams are permitted in the Gold Coast Airport 5km Fun Run and must start at the back of the field. Please complete the Accompanying Pram Section when registering to enter. If you would like the child to receive entrant rewards then you will need to enter them in to the event as well. 

What is an iTAB? 

An iTAB is a personalised medal insert, engraved with your name (maximum of 30 characters) and net time, that fits neatly in to the back of your finisher’s medal and is designed to take the place of traditional medal engraving. You can purchase an iTab as part of your registration for $12.95. If you have already registered, please visit the Update my Entry portal to purchase. For more information on the iTAB please click here. iTABs are mailed to you after the event. 

What are the 10, 20 and 30 Year Clubs? 

If this is the year that you will complete either 10, 20 or 30 of one of the events at the Gold Coast Marathon, then you will be eligible to be inducted into the 10, 20 or 30 Year Club for that event. The years of completion do not need to be consecutive but do need to be in the same event. All new inductees will be awarded a certificate of recognition and commemorative polo shirt. In addition, new 20 Year Club inductees will receive a trophy. 

If you are eligible for one of these clubs, on your registration select ‘Yes’ for the question regarding eligibility to be inducted into the 10, 20 or 30 year club. Then list your previous years of participation in the space provided. 

Note: If you have completed the 7.5 Walk or 5.7km Fun Run previously, your participation in the Gold Coast Airport 5km Fun Run will count towards the ‘Walk’ club. 

What has changed in the 2021 race weekend schedule?

The biggest changes are the moving of the ASICS Half Marathon to start at 6am on Saturday morning, and the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon to a 6am start on Sunday morning as outlined in the 2021 Race Weekend Schedule. The Southern Cross University 10km Run will be on Sunday.

Why has the race weekend schedule changed?

The previous race weekend schedule was becoming problematic with lots of congestion caused by having our two biggest events on the one day. By giving the ASICS Half Marathon prominence on Saturday, we can overcome issues caused by congestion and start and finish the marathon in cooler temperatures.

Will there be COVID safe regulations at the 2021 event?

It is anticipated there will be some COVID restrictions in play, and spreading the crowds over two days will assist in making the 2021 event COVID safe.