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 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 Endura Rehydration Formula available in the Nu Pure 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 on Sunday 7 July. 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 adjacent to the Event Information Booth. The Medical Centre is located within the Nu Pure Recovery Area and is staffed by Gold Coast University Hospital personnel including an Intensive Care Director, doctors and nurses. Major medical surgeries can be performed here if required. The Physiotherapy Tent is located within the Nu Pure Recovery Area (only operates on Sunday 7 July).

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 2019 Gold Coast Marathon. There are two service distinctions:

1. If a local, interstate or international participant is transported to the Race Precinct medical centre, there will be no charge.
2. 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).