Sunshine Coast Marathon secures spot in global Top 20 Trending Marathons for 2025

SportsShoes, a leading footwear and apparel retailer, has looked at the most popular marathons across the globe, as one in 10 runners say they have either completed or are training for a full marathon. 

The latest SportsShoes Running Report has revealed the top running trends for 2025, including the most in-demand marathons, half marathons, and ultra races across the globe.

With 56% of runners participating in or training for some form of competitive running this year, SportsShoes analysed Google search data for over 100 races globally to identify the top trending running events for 2025. 

The report shows some interesting development between the genders. Last year's report found that 70% of marathon participants were male, compared to 30% who were female. This year, the gender gap has narrowed, with men making up 60% and women 40%.

The Sunshine Coast Marathon secured a place in the top 20 and is the only Australian race to make the list, having seen an impressive 56% increase in searches year-on-year.

The Sunshine Coast Marathon attracts participants from across the Asia Pacific and is a headliner on the marathon circuit. Last year, Olympic runner Milly Clarke set a new record on the Sunshine Coast, finishing as the fastest woman in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

The 2024 record of 12,000 participants, an increase of 4,000 from the year prior, brings the organisers closer to their goal of growing the event within five years.

The Sunshine Coast has been confirmed as the marathon event location for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Organisers of the Sunshine Coast Marathon plan to introduce a one-lap course by extending the event north to Mudjimba, with the aim of growing it to the scale of the Sydney Marathon.

Event director Jason Crowther said the changes would make the course a major drawcard for the region and help set the stage for the 2032 Olympic marathon on the Sunshine Coast.

The SportsShoes report showed China to be dominating the top results, with the Beijing Marathon taking the top spot. A staggering increase of 386% in year-on-year searches makes this race the most trending marathon for 2025. The racecourse passes by many of Beijing's most famous landmarks, which adds to its popularity. 

Following in second is the Shanghai Marathon, with an increase of 126% annual searches globally. This long-distance running event originated in 1996 and has since become hugely popular. Last year the event welcomed 38,000 runners from all over the world. 

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon in Japan has also seen a spike in interest from runners over the past year, receiving a significant 104% increase in annual searches. Following closely behind are two European marathons, both located in Spain: The Seville Marathon and the Malaga Marathon, each with a 78% year on year increase in searches. 

Dan Cartner, Head of Marketing at SportsShoes commented “It was fascinating to delve into the data and see how competitive running is becoming increasingly popular, with one in two runners participating in some form of race during their running journeys.

“We are committed to supporting everyone on their fitness journey and we hope that this data helps you to choose your next big challenge. No matter which race you choose, we hope you enjoy the journey from start to finish and feel incredibly proud of everything you achieve.”

A full breakdown of the results for the trending marathons and other facts can be found at www.sportsshoes.com/advice/running-hub/health-wellbeing/running-report