Start Zones
2026 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 (excluding 2km Junior Dash participants). 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.
2026 Start Zones
| Zone | ASICS Gold Coast Marathon | China Airlines Half Marathon | Southern Cross University 10km Run | Gold Coast Airport 5km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeded (elite) | Sub 2:22:00 (M) & 2:52:00 (F) hrs | Sub 1:08 (M) & 1:20 (F) hrs | Sub 31:30 (M) & 38 (F) mins | Sub 16 (M) & 18 (F) mins |
| Priority (sub-elite) | A: Sub 2:32:00 (M) & 3:02:00 (F) hrs B: Sub 2:50:00 (M) & 3:10:00 (F) hrs | Sub 1:15 (M) & 1:27 (F) hrs | Sub 36:30 (M) & 43 (F) mins | Sub 19 (M) & 21 (F) mins |
| A | 2:50:00hrs – 3:20:00hrs (M) 3:10:00hrs – 3:20:00hrs (F) | 1:15hrs – 1:50hrs | 36:30mins – 50mins | 19mins – 25mins |
| B | 3:20:01hrs – 3:50:00hrs | 1:50hrs – 2:00hrs | 50mins – 1:00hr | 25mins – 30mins |
| C | 3:50:01hrs – 4:20:00hrs | 2:00hrs – 2:10hrs | 1:00hr – 1:10hrs | 30mins – 45mins |
| D | 4:20:01hrs – 5:00:00hrs | 2:10hrs – 2:20hrs | 1:10hrs – 1:40hrs | 45mins – 1:10hrs |
| E | 5:00:01hrs – 6:40:00hrs | 2:20hrs – 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.
Here’s how it works:
- Wave 1: 6:15am – Seeded, Priority and Start Zone A
- Wave 2: 6:25am – Start Zone B
- Wave 3: 6:35am – Start Zone C
- Wave 4: 6:45am – 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 its 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: 11:45am – Seeded, Priority, Start Zone A, and Start Zone B
- Wave 2: Start Zone C – 2min after wave 1 has cleared the start
- Wave 3: Start Zone D – 2min after wave 2 has cleared the start
This staggered start helps maintain flow and provides all runners with the best possible experience. Each wave will have its own start gun.
2km Start Zones
There will be three waves with the first starting at 11:10am:
- Wave 1: 11:10am – Boys running by themselves
- Wave 2: 11:20am – Girls running by themselves
- Wave 3: 11:22am (approx) – Children running with an accompanying adult
If your child wishes to run competitively, we recommend them starting in wave 1 and wave 2. Wave 3 is designed for participation, younger kids and those that would like to run with a parent/guardian. This staggered start helps maintain flow and provides all runners with the best possible experience. Each wave will have its own start gun.
