Start Zones

2025 Start zones

Start zones will be in place at the start line of each race to ensure a smooth start for all participants.

Entrants are asked to assemble in the appropriate zone as indicated by the letter printed on their race number. If you wish to run with friends or family who are starting in a different start zone, you may start in a slower zone than that printed on your race number. Please be aware that anyone found deliberately running out of their designated start zone may be disqualified without a race result.

All start zone selections and updates are done when completing your race entry and must be made prior to entries closing. If you need to update your start zone please do so via the Update your Entry Portal.

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2025 Start Zones

ZoneASICS Gold Coast MarathonChina Airlines Half MarathonSouthern Cross University 10km RunGold Coast Airport 5km
Seeded (elite)Sub 2:22 (M) & 2:52 (F)Sub 1:08 (M) & 1:20 (F)Sub 32 (M) & 38 (F) mins Sub 17 (M) & 19 (F) mins
Priority (sub-elite)Sub 2:35 (M) & 3:05 (F)Sub 1:16 (M) & 1:28 (F)Sub 37 (M) & 43 (F) minsSub 19 (M) & 21 (F) mins
A2:35hrs – 3:00hrs (M) & 3:05hrs – 3:10hrs (F)1:16hrs – 1:50hrs37mins – 50mins19mins – 25mins
B3:00hrs – 3:30hrs 1:50hrs – 2:00hrs50mins – 1:00hr25mins – 30mins
C3:30hrs – 4:00hrs2:00hrs – 2:10hrs1:00hr – 1:10hrs30mins – 45mins
D4:00hrs – 4:30hrs2:10hrs – 2:20hrs1:10hrs – 1:40hrs45mins – 1:10hrs
E4:30hrs – 6:40hrs2:20hrs – 3:20hrs

42km Start Zones

Start Waves - Marathon

Your marathon journey begins with a structured wave start to ensure a smooth and safe race experience.

All participants need to be in their allocated start zone by 6:05am.

Here’s how it works:

  • First Wave – 6:15 AM: Seeded, Priority, Start Zone A, and Start Zone B
  • Second Wave – 6:25 AM: Start Zone C
  • Third Wave – 6:35 AM: Start Zone D and Start Zone E

Bunting will be held between each wave to manage the flow and maintain an efficient start sequence. Please listen for instructions on race morning.  This staggered start helps maintain flow and provides all runners with the best possible experience. Each wave will have it's own start gun.

21km Start Zones

10km Start Zones

5km Start Zones

There will be three waves with the first starting at 11:45am:

  • Wave 1 – Seeded, Priority, Start Zone A, and Start Zone B
  • Wave 2 – Start Zone C
  • Wave 3 – Start Zone D

 This staggered start helps maintain flow and provides all runners with the best possible experience. Each wave will have it's own start gun.

2km Start Zones

There will be two waves with the first starting at 11:00am:

  • Wave 1 – Children running by themselves
  • Wave 2 – Children running with an accompanying adult

 If your child wishes to run competitively, we recommend them starting in wave 1. Wave 2 is designed for participation. This staggered start helps maintain flow and provides all runners with the best possible experience. Each wave will have it's own start gun.