Marathon brings millions to Gold Coast
The 2026 Gold Coast Marathon drew 85,772 attendees and delivered a record $82.1 million boost across Queensland.
What’s Happening?
The 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon delivered the strongest economic and tourism results in its 46-year history.
Thousands of participants and supporters drove record visitation and spending across the Gold Coast and Queensland. The results surpassed previous benchmarks for participation, economic return, and overall impact.
The figures also confirmed the marathon as Queensland’s most valuable annual mass-participation sporting event.
Why It Matters
The marathon generated spending across accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism businesses. Its benefits also extended beyond the Gold Coast into other parts of Queensland.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell MP said the results supported the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 visitor economy plan.
“The Gold Coast Marathon has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s events calendar for decades, and this year’s result highlights not only the strength of this iconic event, but also the enduring appeal of the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations,” Minister Powell said.
“The event generated more than $82 million for the economy and attracted more than 67,000 visitors to the region, filling accommodation, supporting local cafes and restaurants, and bringing an unmistakable energy and vibrancy to the Gold Coast across the weekend.
“Major events like the Gold Coast Marathon play a critical role in driving economic growth, supporting local jobs, and showcasing Queensland to the world.”
Local Impact
More than 67,000 visitors travelled to the Gold Coast region for the event. Their spending benefited hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and local attractions throughout the weekend.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was delighted with the results and the marathon’s continued rise in popularity.
“The benefits from the Marathon weekend goes much further than achieving PB’s, extending to a significant economic injection into the city’s accommodation providers, shopping precincts, cafes and restaurants and our many attractions.
“And importantly it also highlights the Gold Coast as a destination that delivers world-class events and experiences.”
By the Numbers
The marathon recorded 43,000 registered participants, while total attendance reached 85,772 participants and supporters, up 12% from 2025.
Visitor spending across Queensland increased by 25%, producing a record economic impact of $82.1 million.
Gold Coast spending rose 22% to $70.35 million, while spending elsewhere in Queensland climbed 39% to $11.75 million.
Zoom In
Events Queensland Management Chairman Paul Donovan said he was thrilled, but not surprised, by the results. He pointed to increased participation and strong attendance around the event precinct and course.
“This was always going to be a big year, and we couldn’t be prouder of the economic and tourism impact that this home-grown event has on the Gold Coast and Queensland.
“There was a great vibe and energy about every aspect of the event this year from the ASICS Sport and Leisure Expo and across the event precinct, the crowds were happy and excited to be there... that’s a really good feeling.
“The course spans five council divisions and provides exceptional opportunities for the city to showcase iconic assets and celebrate the Gold Coast and Queensland’s most lucrative mass participation event.
“I have so much admiration for the team at EMQ who with a band of merry and dedicated volunteers and an extended operations crew deliver this phenomenal event with great skill, pride and passion.”
Zoom Out
Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion said the team and stakeholders deserved recognition for their work behind the scenes. Volunteers and the wider operations crew also helped deliver the event.
“The economic impact figures are truly outstanding, with the spend in the Gold Coast region increasing by 22 percent to $70.35m and spending in other parts of Queensland escalating by 39 percent to $11.75m.
“The tourism/attendance figures also speak volumes with every area, including the number of attendees (participants/supporters), visitors to the Gold Coast and Queensland, day trippers, and overnight visitors, all enjoying significant increases.
“And those who participated for a Grassrootz charity deserve recognition too with a record $1.53 million raised to make a difference to people, groups and causes that need support.”
The marathon’s record charity total added a community benefit to its broader tourism and economic results.
Minister Powell said major events would remain important as Queensland prepared for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“As we build towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we’re cementing Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of Australia and strengthening our position as a leading international tourism destination for decades to come.”
What To Look For Next?
Organisers will now review operations and participant survey results before planning another Gold Coast Marathon. The findings will help shape the experience for participants, supporters, volunteers and visitors.
“We are incredibly proud of the results this year but it’s now time to head back to the drawing board, to meticulously review each area of event operations, analyse the participant survey results and look at how we can do it all again...and make it an event greater experience for all involved,” Mr Mannion said.