Gold Coast Marathon 2025 sets new tourism and charity records
2025 Gold Coast Marathon sets new record, its biggest year yet.
What’s happening?
The 2025 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon has set new records in its 45-year history, confirmed as the most valuable annual mass participation sporting event on the Queensland calendar.
This year’s event saw 39,000 registered participants and their supporters eclipse previous benchmarks. The total spend in Queensland by all attendees reached $65.67 million, a 54 per cent increase compared to 2024. Visitor numbers also surged, with 76,250 people competing or accompanying, representing a 38 per cent rise.
Why it matters
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the combined uplift in economic impact, visitor numbers, and participant engagement made the 2025 marathon a record-breaking success.
“The Gold Coast Marathon has firmly held a place in the state’s major events calendar for decades and this year’s exponential growth speaks not only to the quality of the event but the overarching experience and unique Gold Coast offering.
“The event attracted more than 58,000 people to the region, many of whom took the opportunity to extend their stay, whether remaining on the Gold Coast or through dispersal across the state, generating more than $65 million for the economy.
“The successful delivery of globally recognised events like the Gold Coast Marathon bodes well for Queensland as we cement ourselves as a premier international destination in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.”
Local impact
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was delighted with both the tourism and economic results.
“There is a ripple effect from the Gold Coast Marathon that goes further than achieving goals and personal bests.
“Its benefits extend to a significant economic injection to the city’s accommodation, restaurants, cafes, shopping precincts and importantly our profile as a destination that delivers world class events and experiences.”
Events Management Queensland Chairman Paul Donovan said the figures reflected the participation numbers, crowd support, and attendance around the event precinct.
“There was a vibe this year like no other … it was bigger and better event than ever with the city filled to the brim with happy runners and their mates and family for days before and after race weekend.
“But no matter how good it was … it can always be better and we need to collaborate with the city and government to ensure the ingress and egress infrastructure for the event meets the whole of event experience expectations of our attendees.
“The G-Link light rail recorded a massive 80,000 door count over marathon weekend reminiscent of the 2018 Commonwealth Games – that’s how big the marathon is these days and we need to make sure it and other events on the Gold Coast can grow and competently manage the volume of people.”
Mr Donovan acknowledged the small team at Events Management Queensland, its volunteers, and operations crew. “They are all to be applauded for their passion and commitment.”
Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion said feedback from participants highlighted the success of this year’s event.
“The Tourism Value report provides us with important statistics and figures and delivers comparisons on previous years for us to analyse with the participant survey sentiment results.
“Each year we strive to do better, take on board feedback and produce an unforgettable event experience for everyone involved and this year, I think we did just that.
“And the icing on the cake this year was also a record $1.08 million in funds raised for charities by individuals and teams who used the Gold Coast Marathon to fundraise and make a difference to people and groups in need of support.”
By the numbers
$65.67 million economic impact, up 54 per cent from 2024.
76,250 visitors including competitors and supporters, up 38 per cent.
58,000+ people attracted to the Gold Coast region.
80,000 G-Link light rail door count over marathon weekend.
$1.08 million raised for charities.
Zoom in
The event’s exponential growth reflects both the quality of organisation and the broader Gold Coast experience. Minister Andrew Powell, Mayor Tom Tate, Chairman Paul Donovan, and CEO Ben Mannion all highlighted the dual impact of tourism and community spirit. From transport infrastructure to volunteer dedication, the marathon continues to grow as a global event with strong local benefits.
Zoom out
Events Management Queensland delivers the annual ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon, and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games. It has also added the Gold Coast T100 World Triathlon to its portfolio.
The organisation is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Events Management Queensland also acknowledged the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region, the Saltwater People of the Gold Coast, as traditional owners of the lands and waters on which participants are welcomed from across the globe.
What to look for next
Organisers plan to continue working with government and city partners to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with the event’s growth, while building on participant feedback to deliver even better experiences in future editions.