Gold Coast Marathon’s signature event sold out

The Gold Coast Marathon’s 42.195km signature race has sold out for only the second time in the event’s history and is anticipating up to 24,000 participants over the 1st-2nd July race weekend.

With the marathon now at capacity, any entrants still hoping for a place in the race must be prepared to be put on a waitlist.

Runners from every Australian state and territory, plus more than 42 countries are participating in the event and visiting the Gold Coast over coming weeks in a boost for Queensland’s international tourism recovery.

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the entry data confirmed the Gold Coast Marathon as Australia’s premier running event.

Minister Hinchliffe noted “the Gold Coast Marathon’s sprint to a capacity field of competitors is primed to deliver a bonanza for the region’s visitor economy.

“Entry numbers for this year put the Gold Coast Marathon on a fast track to surpassing the iconic event’s pre-pandemic popularity.   

“This major event on our green and gold runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is tipped to generate almost $27 million for Gold Coast accommodation, hospitality and tourism providers.” 

Events Management Queensland Chief Executive, Ben Mannion said it was a double-edged sword reaching capacity in the marathon as it meant numbers and interest in the event are well and truly back to pre-COVID times, but some people would miss out on running the full distance race.

“There is a course capacity to prevent an impasse and ensure a safe flow of runners where their pace is unimpeded, and we have reached that point,” Mannion shared.

“We will put anyone who wants to enter the marathon now on a waitlist, and they will be advised if and when an entry opportunity becomes available.

Mannion said there was still capacity to enter the CPL Wheelchair Marathon, Asics Half Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run, CPL Wheelchair 10km, Gold Coast Airport 5km Fun Run and the Queensland Health and Wellbeing 4km and 2km Junior Dash events.

There is also a Gold Coast Marathon Facebook group to centralise the buying and selling of any entries should people have a change of circumstance.

For further information on the 2023 Gold Coast Marathon events visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au