2026 Gold Coast Marathon - Jul 5

2026 Gold Coast Marathon - Jul 5 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Gold Coast Marathon - Jul 5
CityGold Coast
Date2026-07-05 at 06:15
Field Size~12,707 runners
Time Limit7 hours
TimezoneAustralia/Brisbane
Official SiteGold Coast Events Management (Events Management Queensland) / ASICS Gold Coast Marathon
RegistrationRegister · 120 AUD

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature15°C / 59°F
Humidity65%
Wind12 km/h
Rain Chance25%
Typical ConditionsEarly July is mid-winter on the Gold Coast, and the date is deliberately chosen for ideal running weather. Race-morning lows sit around 10-12°C, climbing to daytime highs near 20-21°C; the ~15°C race-time average, ~65% humidity, a light ~12 km/h breeze and only a ~25% chance of rain are a big reason for the flat-and-fast reputation. The 2025 race was run in near-perfect windless conditions.

What to Prepare: Dress for a cool, dry start that warms fast — singlet or short-sleeve with arm sleeves, or a throwaway top you shed by 8km. With lows near 10-12°C, light gloves help the first few kilometres but you will overheat by the turnaround. Check our Weather Score tool to confirm these are some of the year's best PB conditions.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 12 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course TypeOut-and-back (same start/finish at Southport Broadwater Parklands)
Elevation Gain62m
TerrainSealed road along the Gold Coast oceanfront and Broadwater, with Surfers Paradise skyline views, Main Beach and the Spit.
ProfileFamously flat and fast, only ~62m total elevation gain across 42.2km. Course records: men 2:07:33 (Yuki Takei, 2025; previous record 2:07:40, Naoki Koyama, 2023), women 2:24:22 (Yuki Nakamura, 2024).
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 Gold Coast Marathon - Jul 5

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Gold Coast Marathon and what time does it start?

The 46th ASICS Gold Coast Marathon is held on Sunday 5 July 2026, part of a two-day festival on 4-5 July. The full marathon starter's gun fires at 6:15am AEST from Southport Broadwater Parklands, with subsequent waves at roughly 6:25, 6:35 and 6:45am. The published course cutoff is 6 hours 40 minutes from the final wave.

How do I enter and how much does it cost?

Entry is open (no ballot) at goldcoastmarathon.com.au/enter. Entries opened 2 December 2025 with tiered pricing: AUD $99 (December 2025), $110 (January-March 2026) and $120 from 1 April to 21 June 2026. The name-on-bib cutoff was 30 May 2026, so register early both to lock the lower price and to get your name printed on the bib.

How flat is the course and is it good for a PB?

Very flat — about 62m of total elevation gain over the whole 42.2km, run as an out-and-back along the oceanfront. Combined with cool, dry, often windless July winter mornings, it is one of the world's premier PB and qualifying courses. The men's record is 2:07:33 (Yuki Takei, 2025; previous record 2:07:40, Naoki Koyama, 2023) and the women's 2:24:22 (Yuki Nakamura, 2024). Use our Pace Calculator to set even splits.

Is the Gold Coast Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. It is a certified, World Athletics Label road race (one of only two in Australia, alongside Sydney), so finish times are eligible for Boston Marathon qualifying. Its flat profile makes it a popular qualifying attempt. Check your target time on our Boston Qualifying calculator.

How do I get to the Gold Coast and where is the start?

Fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or Brisbane Airport (BNE, about 90 minutes away). The start and finish are at Southport Broadwater Parklands, on the light-rail (G:link tram) line that runs the length of the Gold Coast through Surfers Paradise, so most runners stay near the tram and ride in on race morning rather than driving.

What should I wear for July weather?

Plan for a cool, dry start near 10-12°C that warms to about 20°C by late morning. A singlet or short-sleeve top with arm sleeves works well; many runners use a cheap throwaway layer and gloves for the start corral, then discard by around 8km. Rain is unlikely (~25%) and wind is usually light, so there is rarely a need for a jacket.

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