Aid Stations, Personal Refreshments & Medical
In addition to meeting strict industry safety standards, World Athletics Label Road Race criteria and AIMS membership guidelines, the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS goes above and beyond in ensuring safety for all involved. From advanced medical scanning technology and tracking to forward-thinking traffic management and detailed aid station assistance, the event continually aims to employ innovative and ground-breaking safety measures.
Aid Stations
- Refreshment station (RS): Personal refreshments, Tropical flavour Fuel X from Fixx Nutrition, Gel X Pro Lemon Sorbet and Rasberry Fizz Flavour (only at 30.5km Station) and water
- Water station (WS): Water only
Please discard all cups into the bin bags provided at the aid stations to help minimise our environmental footprint.
| Marathon | Half Marathon | 10km Run | 5km | 4km Junior Dash |
| 2.5km (WS) (Left side) |
2.5km (WS) (Right side) |
2.5km (WS) (Right side) |
3.5km (WS) (Left side) |
2km (WS) (Left side) |
| 5km (RS) (Left side) |
5km (RS) (Left side) |
5km (RS) (Right side) |
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| 7.5km (WS) (Right side) |
7.5km (WS) (Left side) |
7.5km (WS) (Right side) |
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| 10km (RS) (left side) |
10km (RS) (Left side) |
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| 12.5km (WS) (Right side) |
12.5km (WS) (Left side) |
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| 15km (RS) (Left side) |
15km (RS) (Left side) |
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| 17.5km (WS) (Right side) |
17.5km (WS) (Left side) |
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| 20km (RS) (Right side) |
20km (RS) (Left side) |
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| 22.5km (WS) (Right side) |
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| 25km (RS) (Left side) |
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| 27.5km (WS) (Right side) |
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| 30km (RS) Gels (Left side) |
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| 32.5km (WS) (Left side) |
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| 35km (RS) (Left side) |
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| 37.5km (WS) (Left side) |
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| 40km (RS) (Left side) |
Electrolyte Drink – Fuel X
Fixx Nutrition is the official supplier of on course hydration for the Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS. Fixx Nutrition Fuel X in the Tropical Fruits flavour will be available at refreshment stations and the Recovery Area.
Gel X Pro Lemon Sorbet and Rasberry Fizz Flavour will only be available at at the 30.5km aid station. It is recommended that if you plan to use Gel X Pro or Fuel X Tropical Fruits Flavour on race day, you should ‘train’ with this product prior to the event.
Months of training, looking after yourself and getting to race day ready to go is a fantastic achievement in itself – and we can’t wait to see you on the start line in less than a week!
Although this is winter in Queensland, there are days when it can be warmer or more humid than you are used to. To assist you in looking after your health on race day, please read the information below and familiarise yourself with the new flag system that you’ll see at our aid stations.
Preventing Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis, commonly known as Rhabdo, is a condition where the body breaks down its own muscle tissue which in turn puts stress on the kidneys. Some of the things that can increase the risk of rhabdo occurring includes the use of anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen), dehydration, and hot or humid weather.
To help avoid rhabdo, please ensure you maintain adequate hydration before, during and after your run, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen for 48 hours before your run, and avoid anything that may cause further dehydration including energy drinks/supplements, alcohol, etc.
Please read the rhabdo handout provided by the Gold Coast Hospital below.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT) indicator flags at aid stations – Marathon Only
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is an indicator of course conditions taking into account temperature, humidity, wind and cloud cover. You will notice at the start of every 5km aid station location a coloured flag. This flag is an indicator of the current WGBT conditions – and will indicate if you may need to factor in changes to your race plan.
The WGBT flags will be updated every hour at each aid station, so you may see the flag colours change during the race. See the table below which outlines what each flag indicates.
| Flag | WBGT in Degree Celsius | Event Conditions | Considerations |
| White | Below 21 | Good Conditions – Follow your race plan | Follow your race plan |
| Green | 21-25 | Caution- less than ideal conditions | Ensure adequate hydration |
| Orange | 25-28 | Warning- moderate risk for heat related illness | Ensure adequate hydrate consider slowing pace |
| Red | 28-30 | Severe Warning for high risk heat related illness | Ensure adequate hydration and strongly consider slowing pace |
| Black | Above 30 | Danger- Extreme Conditions | Consider stopping participation |
First Aid
Race Weekend Tips
Despite the ideal winter conditions, runners can often fall into a false sense of security and ignore exercise-induced physiological effects associated with participating in a Gold Coast Marathon presented by ASICS race. Please keep these tips in mind while running so you have a safe and memorable experience:
- Only undertake the event if you’re adequately prepared and medically fit.
- Complete your emergency contact details on the back of your race number.
- Avoid dehydrating drinks (i.e. caffeine, alcohol, energy drinks) the day before and on the day of your race.
- Stay hydrated on course. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, take advantage of our aid stations located on course.
- If you require medical attention, please report to an aid station, race marshal or on-course medical personnel for assistance.
- If you’re feeling faint or unwell during or after your run, stop and seek medical assistance immediately.
- After your race, seek shade and rehydrate with water and Fixx Nutrition Fuel X in the Recovery Area.
On Course
For medical attention on course, please report to an aid station, race marshal or identified medical personnel for assistance. At selected aid stations from the 15km mark (Marathon) there will be ‘self-service’ tables with basic first aid supplies such as band-aids and vaseline. A first aider will be located at each aid station throughout the course to help assist and identify participants that require medical treatment.
ASSIST Medics first aid responders provide support to all runners on bicycles throughout the course. First aid responders monitor participants within their designated zones and administer first aid where appropriate. Athlete Support Vehicles (ASV) are a means of transport for participants that are unable to complete their chosen race due to injury. Each ASV is equipped to treat basic first aid and resourced with a first aid responder who will assess and refer.
Race Precinct
The First Aid Tent is located on the Event Lawn. The Medical Centre is located within the Recovery Area and is staffed by Gold Coast University Hospital personnel including doctors and nurses. The Physiotherapy Tent is located within the Recovery Area.
Ambulances
Ambulances will be located along the course and within the race precinct. Important information for interstate and international participants:
Queensland Ambulance Service has confirmed their policy on costs for interstate and international participants who use the ambulance service at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon. There are two service distinctions:
- If a local, interstate or international participant is transported to the Race Precinct medical centre, there will be no charge.
- If an interstate or international participant is transported offsite (to their choice of private or public hospital) they will be charged by Queensland Ambulance Service direct. Depending on the patient’s condition, they will be transported to the most suitable tertiary hospital, which also includes Brisbane hospitals and could include an air service. This service would be free for Queensland residents. Participants are made aware of the charges if their medical condition allows for the understanding of the transport costs. Some states have reciprocal arrangements with Queensland as do some private health funds. Participants are urged to check with their state ambulance service or private health fund to see if they would be covered for ambulance transport in Queensland. Participants will be asked by QAS officers prior to travel should they wish to proceed knowing the charge (this only applies to responsive participants).
Recovery Area
After crossing the finish line, you will enter the Recovery Area which is restricted to participants only. Within this area you will find Fixx Nutrition Fuel X in the Tropical Fruits flavour, Nu-Pure water, fruit and a medical centre.
It is here you will be rewarded for your efforts with a commemorative medal and a finisher shirt if you completed the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Gold Coast Half Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run or Gold Coast Airport 5km.
Personal Refreshments
Seeded and Priority Start Runners
Personal refreshments will be distributed to refreshment stations for seeded and priority start runners participating in the Gold Coast Marathon only. Personal refreshments will be available at the 5.5km, 10km, 15.5km, 20km, 25km, 30.5km, 35.5km and 40.5km refreshment stations. Refreshments must be delivered to the personal refreshment booth at the ASICS Sports & Leisure Expo at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on Saturday 6 July between 10am and 3pm. Runners must bring their race number and/or ID in order to be able to drop-off their personal refreshments.
All refreshments must be marked with the following information:
- Full name
- Race number
- Refreshment station for placement (5km, 10km etc.)
- Gender
Runners are encouraged to mark their refreshments with a personal item, ribbon or colour for easy identification. No metal or glass bottles will be accepted. Containers must be sealed (i.e. will not leak if laid down) and must be no more than 30cm in height.
To view the Personal Refreshments Table Layout please click here.
Additional Information
- All drinks tables at the refreshment stations will be on the left hand side of runners
- Seeded runner drinks are always at the front of the tables with drinks for athletes in the 1-50 range on the left side of tables and drinks for athletes in the 51-100 range on the right plus the overflow seeded range and elite pacers with race numbers 251 – 275 at the front of table 6.
- Priority runners drinks are at the back of tables 1 – 6
- Ensure you know which table your personal refreshments drink will be on
- Drinks will be arranged exactly as outlined in the Personal Refreshments Layout (available soon)
- The layout will be the same at all 8 stations
- Seeded runner breakdown (each number has a specific place on the table – scroll further down for the flat lay image):
- Table 1: Race number ends in 1 or 6 e.g. 1, 6, 11, 16….81, 86, 91 and 96
- Table 2: Race number end in 2 or 7
- Table 3: Race number ends in 3 or 8
- Table 4: Race number ends in 4 or 9
- Table 5: Race number ends in 5 or 0
- Table 6: Race numbers 251 – 275 (overflow seeded range plus the elite pacers)
- Priority runner breakdown (will be laid out in numerical order):
- Table 1: race numbers 126 – 150 (back of table)
- Table 2: race numbers 151 – 175 (back of table)
- Table 3: race numbers 176 – 200 (back of table)
- Table 4: race numbers 201 – 225 (back of table)
- Table 5: race numbers 226 – 250 (back of table)
- Table 6: race numbers 276+ (back of table)
Runners in Start Zones A, B, C, D and E
While there is no capacity to accept personal refreshments from runners (other than seeded and priority start athletes), Gold Coast Marathon participants will be supplied Fixx Nutrition Fuel X in the Tropical Fruits flavour at all eight refreshment stations (water will be provided at all eight refreshment stations and the eight water-only stations along the marathon course) and the Recovery Area.
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