Events · 4-5 July 2026
Gold Coast Marathon 2026: The Broadbeach Guide
Race weekend dates, the schedule, where the course goes, road closures and why Broadbeach is a smart base for runners and spectators.
The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026, and it’s one of the biggest weekends of the Gold Coast winter. Tens of thousands of runners and their supporters descend on the coast for Australia’s favourite flat, fast marathon – and the racing happens right along the beachfront strip.
The race precinct, start and finish lines are at Broadwater Parklands in Southport, but the courses trace the coastal corridor past the city’s famous surf beaches – which in recent years has included the Broadbeach stretch. That makes Broadbeach both a convenient base for runners and one of the easiest places to watch the race roll past.
This guide covers the 2026 schedule, how race weekend affects Broadbeach (including road closures), where to stay, and tips whether you’re running or cheering.
Race Weekend at a Glance
- Dates: Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026
- Race precinct, start and finish: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
- Saturday: half marathon (6:15am), 10km (9:25am), 5km (11:45am), junior dash
- Sunday: marathon and wheelchair marathon from 6:05-6:15am
- Course runs along the coastal strip – final 2026 course maps are published by the organisers in the lead-up
- Expect road closures and changed traffic conditions on both mornings – plan around the tram
- Falls in QLD winter school holidays (27 June – 12 July) – book accommodation early
| Event | Day | Start Time | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon | Saturday 4 July | 6:15am | 3 hr 20 min |
| Wheelchair 10km | Saturday 4 July | 9:15am | 1 hr 50 min |
| 10km Run | Saturday 4 July | 9:25am | 1 hr 40 min |
| 2km Junior Dash | Saturday 4 July | 11:10am | 20 min |
| 5km Run | Saturday 4 July | 11:45am | 1 hr 10 min |
| Wheelchair Marathon | Sunday 5 July | 6:05am | 6 hr 40 min |
| Marathon (42.195km) | Sunday 5 July | 6:15am | 6 hr 40 min |
Does the Course Go Through Broadbeach?
Viewing spots and closures depend on the final 2026 maps published at goldcoastmarathon.com.au. Confirm before locking in plans – turnaround points shift between editions.
Road Closures and Getting Around on Race Weekend
Broadbeach North or Broadbeach South station to Southport takes about 25-30 minutes for 50 cents, and skips every road closure on the course.
Why Broadbeach Is a Smart Base for the Marathon
Marathon weekend + winter school holidays is one of the strongest accommodation weekends of the Gold Coast winter. The good apartments go months out.
Tips for Runners Staying in Broadbeach
Broadbeach’s Italian restaurants fill up on marathon eve with thousands of runners doing the same carb load. Book Friday and Saturday dinner as soon as your race entry is in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Race weekend is Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026. The half marathon (6:15am), 10km (9:25am) and 5km (11:45am) run on the Saturday; the marathon and wheelchair marathon start between 6:05am and 6:15am on the Sunday. The race precinct, start and finish are at Broadwater Parklands in Southport.
The course traces the coastal strip past the Gold Coast’s surf beaches, and the Broadbeach corridor has featured in recent editions via the Gold Coast Highway and beachfront roads. Final 2026 course maps are published by the organisers in the lead-up – check goldcoastmarathon.com.au for exact streets and turnaround points before planning viewing spots.
Expect rolling closures and changed traffic conditions along the coastal route on both race mornings, typically from before dawn to around midday, which can affect the Broadbeach area. The G:link tram is unaffected and costs a flat 50 cents – it’s the easiest way to move along the coast on race weekend. Check official traffic updates closer to the event for exact times.
Yes – it’s a direct 25-30 minute tram ride from the race precinct at Southport, has a huge choice of restaurants for carb loading, and the beach and day spas make recovery easy. Note that race weekend falls inside QLD winter school holidays (27 June to 12 July 2026), so book accommodation well ahead.
Racing or Cheering This July?
Marathon weekend overlaps the winter school holidays, so Broadbeach apartments and hotels fill early. Lock in your race-weekend base now.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.