---

Sustainability and Positive Impact Plan

Events Management Queensland believes a major event should leave the destination and community stronger than it found them. The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon therefore considers environmental, social and economic responsibility throughout planning and delivery.

The event’s approach is practical and evidence-led. Current priorities focus on transport, waste and resource use, reuse, community participation, charity and tourism outcomes. Participant surveys, operational debriefs and stakeholder feedback are used to guide improvement from year to year.

The event has not yet completed a formal emissions assessment. Improving environmental measurement is an identified next step so that future priorities and reductions can be based on reliable event data rather than broad claims.

Making public transport the easiest option

Registered participants receive free travel to and from the race precinct on the G:link during published event hours by showing their race number. Service frequencies are increased for race weekend and supplementary transport capacity is planned where required.

Public transport is promoted across the website, event guide, participant emails and race-week information. This reduces pressure on limited parking and road networks, supports safer participant arrivals and encourages lower-impact travel to a precinct affected by major road closures.

Separating waste and reducing avoidable materials

Recycling and waste-separation systems are used across event areas, with vendors and contractors directed to the relevant waste streams. Event teams review precinct operations and collection arrangements after delivery to identify practical improvements.

Digital event guides, email, website and app communications reduce the need for printed participant information. Signage, fencing and event infrastructure are retained and reused wherever practical rather than being produced for a single delivery.

Water refill and participant wellbeing

Water-refill locations are identified within the race precinct. On-course water and electrolyte services are essential participant-safety measures and are planned according to field size and forecast conditions. The event seeks to balance the resource demands of hydration with responsible procurement, waste separation and recovery systems.

Giving discarded clothing a second life

Clothing left by runners at the start line, on course or within event areas is collected and donated to charity rather than being treated as general waste. Participants are advised about the program and reminded not to leave valuables in clothing they discard.

This initiative extends the useful life of clothing, reduces waste and creates a community benefit from an item that is commonly left behind at winter running events.

Creating positive community outcomes

The event brings together volunteers, community organisations, sporting clubs, schools, health professionals, emergency services, charities and local businesses. These partnerships create opportunities for participation, fundraising, skills development and community pride.

In 2025, participants raised more than $1.07 million for charitable organisations. The race program also encourages active lifestyles across ages and abilities, from junior and walking participation to elite and wheelchair racing.

Supporting the visitor and local economy

The marathon is a major tourism driver. The 2025 event generated 215,946 visitor nights and a $76.33 million economic impact to Queensland, with 87% of the impact felt on the Gold Coast. The event website, tourism partnerships and GCM Deals program encourage visitors to use local accommodation, hospitality, retail, recovery and tourism businesses.

The event also encourages people to stay longer and explore more of Queensland. In 2025, almost 2,000 additional visitor nights were generated when attendees extended their stay because of the marathon.

Our ongoing commitments

• improve the collection of waste, transport and resource-use data so future priorities can be measured
• continue making public transport the simplest way for participants to reach the race precinct
• use digital-first participant communication and reuse event infrastructure wherever practical
• maintain clothing donation and identify further practical reuse opportunities
• work with vendors, contractors and venue partners to improve waste separation and responsible material choices
• publish clear accessibility and sustainability information and report honestly on progress
• use participant, community and stakeholder feedback to guide continuous improvement
• continue creating measurable tourism, charitable and community benefits for the Gold Coast and Queensland.

Accountability

Progress is reviewed through post-event reporting, operational debriefs, participant research and future event planning. As the marathon continues to grow, Events Management Queensland will focus on initiatives that are achievable, relevant to a major road-running event and capable of producing genuine, measurable improvement.