Gold Coast Marathon reaches new heights for 2026
Gold Coast Marathon tops 42,000 entries as the 2026 event prepares for its biggest weekend yet on July
What’s Happening?
The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon is heading for its biggest year yet after a major surge in entries.
The July race weekend has drawn strong demand from interstate and international runners.
Organisers say the event’s growth shows its rising status on the global running calendar.
EMQ Chairman Paul Donovan said the result was a strong sign of the event’s momentum.
“To reach a record 42,000 entries with two months still to go is a fantastic achievement and a strong indicator of the event’s continued growth,” said Donovan.
“The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon delivers enormous benefits for local businesses and showcases our city to a global audience.
“We are really excited to see just how big this year’s event will be as we look to build on the success of last year’s event, which was the biggest in our 45-year history.”
Why It Matters?
The milestone gives the Gold Coast’s visitor economy a major boost before race weekend begins.
Runners, supporters and spectators are expected to travel to the region.
That means more people in local hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the event reflects the city’s rise as a global sporting destination.
“Bigger, better and brighter is the best way to describe the 2026 ASIC Gold Coast Marathon.
“This year will be the 46th edition of the weekend running festival but it is also a further step, excuse the pun, in our city’s evolution as one of the most vibrant, engaging and welcoming sporting cities on the globe.
“Let’s lace up for another weekend of PBs, smiles and off-course entertainment.’’
By The Numbers
More than 42,000 entries have already been recorded, setting a new milestone before the starter’s gun.
The 2025 event attracted 39,000 runners and delivered $65.67 million in economic impact.
The 2026 event has attracted participants from a record 59 countries, showing its growing global reach.
Local Impact
The Gold Coast is set for a major winter weekend, with visitors expected across the city.
Local businesses are likely to benefit from increased spending before, during and after race weekend.
The event also gives the city more global exposure through athletes, supporters and spectators.
For the local running community, it brings elite athletes and first-time runners onto the same streets.
Zoom In
The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, China Airlines Half Marathon and Southern Cross University 10km have already sold out.
EMQ CEO Ben Mannion said the milestone reflects years of work to grow the event.
“This is an incredible result and one the EMQ team should be proud of, given the amount of work that has gone into growing the event in recent years,” said Mannion.
“With the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, China Airlines Half Marathon and Southern Cross University 10km already sold out, this highlights the event’s broader appeal - from elite athletes chasing times to first-time runners taking on a personal challenge.
“But there are still plenty of opportunities for runners to take part in the Gold Coast Airport 5km and Australia Fair 2km dash.
“Participants still wanting to take part in the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon or China Airlines Half Marathon can do so via our Charity Place Entries, which offer a limited number of entries in exchange for a minimum amount raised for our charity partners.”
Zoom Out
The milestone builds on the event’s record-breaking 2025 edition.
That year was the biggest in its 45-year history and delivered a major economic return for the city.
The 2026 edition now places the Gold Coast in an even stronger position on the global running calendar.
The demand also shows how the event is attracting runners across different distances and experience levels.
What To Look For Next?
Entries remain available for the Gold Coast Airport 5km and Australia Fair 2km dash.
Limited Charity Place Entries are also available for the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and China Airlines Half Marathon.
With race weekend nearing, the 2026 event is shaping as the biggest Gold Coast Marathon yet.