[category]
[title]
On my most recent visit to the Gold Coast, I remember feeling like an absolute champ waking up at 6am for a run. That ego trip was quickly humbled when I stepped outside and saw hundreds of joggers already out there pounding the pavement. Whether they were trying to beat the midday heat, chasing a perfect sunrise photo or just flexing the classic active Queensland lifestyle, the Sunshine State really does live up to its reputation as Australia’s fittest and earliest-rising place.
Last weekend, I headed back to the Goldie for the Gold Coast Marathon – the fastest, flattest 42.195-kilometre race in Australia. Fellow runners had raved to me about this course, where virtually zero elevation sets the stage for more than 60 per cent of runners to achieve a personal best.
Given Australia’s recent running boom, scoring a ticket to this uber-popular event isn’t easy. The 17,000-odd marathon entries, alongside 11,000 half-marathon slots, all sold out within eight hours of release. Interestingly, more than 50 per cent of entrants were from interstate or overseas, proving just how much people are willing to invest in a racing holiday – myself included!
After spending two glorious days relaxing on the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches – all in the name of tapering, of course – I was more than ready for race day. Queensland famously enjoys around 300 days of sunshine per year, and this fine winter weekend was an absolute runner’s dream: blue skies, low humidity and tops of 20 degrees.
I’m fully aware that everyone’s race went down entirely differently – and kudos to those who simply made it to the start line – but my marathon was so much fun from start to finish! The route kicked off right by the calm waters of Southport’s Broadwater Parklands, before guiding ys runners down the main coastal highway. Setting off with the pack, I watched in awe as the sky turned a stunning fairyfloss pink and the sun rose over the Pacific Ocean.
True to its reputation, the 42.195-kilometre course is flat-as-a-pancake, making it easy to lock into a smooth rhythm as I cruised past the Gold Coast’s most iconic beaches. The massive crowds lining the suburban streets around Mermaid Beach, Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads gave me just as much of an energy boost as my speedy new shoes (the new Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3).
I have no shame in admitting that I teared up twice mid-race, mostly because I felt so lucky to be running in one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Sunshine, coastal views and community vibes – the marathon really showcases the very best of the Gold Coast.
After smashing your goals and riding that post-race dopamine high, you can officially pivot straight back into holiday mode. The Gold Coast offers so many amazing restaurants and cafés for a victory feast. I recommend hitting up the super popular Costa Taco for top-notch Mexican fare, or swinging by House of Hälsa for Cody Simpson-approved protein smoothies. For the ultimate recovery, book a hot-cold therapy session post-feed at Soak Bathhouse – your muscles will thank you later.
So, if you're keen to jump on the marathon bandwagon next year, the Gold Coast Marathon is my top recommendation. It's perfect for first-timers, athletes chasing their next PB and travellers seeking the ultimate active vacation.