50,000 in queue as Gold Coast marathon faces unprecedented demand
Two of the biggest events at the Gold Coast Marathon have sold out in record-breaking time, less than 24 hours after registration opened.
Two of the biggest events at the Gold Coast Marathon have sold out in record-breaking time.
The China Airlines Half Marathon distance sold out in less than four hours on Tuesday while the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon was at capacity about 8pm.
More than 33,000 runners now have secured their place to run the event, which is known for its flat and fast course.
Entrants can still secure their place for the 10km and 5km distances as well as the 2km kids dash.
50k queue in marathon stampede
About 50,000 people are in the queue for the Gold Coast Marathon as the event faces unprecedented demand with the half marathon already sold out.
Tickets went on sale online at 9am on Tuesday, December 2, with some enthusiasts waiting two hours to score entry.
One participant clicked on the link to join the queue at 8.20am and was 15,000th in line when entries opened at 9am.
An hour later, there were still 8000 runners in front of her to secure their spot in the 2026 July 4 to 5 event.
Events Management Queensland chief executive Ben Mannion said more than 32,000 people had registered as of 3.30pm Tuesday, with the half-marathon sold out and the 10km and 5km races attracting record numbers.
“There’s limited spots in the marathon ... I reckon all the spots will be gone by tomorrow morning,” he said.
Mr Mannion said the 2026 registration launch highlighted the event’s global reach and importance to the region.
“The early interest for 2026 is extremely strong and reflects the continued growth of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon as one of the world’s leading road races,” Mr Mannion said.
“The record-breaking participation levels and economic outcomes achieved in 2025 set a new benchmark for the event, and today’s registration numbers suggest we are well positioned for another successful year.”
While some complained about the website, claiming its server couldn’t keep up with demand as some users received error messages, the organisers said they were working through entries as quickly as possible.
“Wow what a response, we are working through entries as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience,” a response from organisers said.
“Once registered please expect to wait up to 24 hours to receive your confirmation email.”
Last year the Gold Coast half marathon sold out within four hours and wound up with 10,000 on a waiting list.
The huge demand comes as popularity for the major event has grown exponentially in recent years.
This year’s Gold Coast Marathon had 39,000 participants from 50 countries – contributing to a record $65.67m tourism and economic impact for the city.
An Events Management Queensland spokesperson said they acknowledged the “unprecedented demand” created wait times and urged those waiting to register to “be patient” as there were still places available as at 11.25am.
“We have witnessed unprecedented demand from runners from around the world, with over 10,000 registrations already successfully processed within the first two hours of entries opening,” they said.
“We have made a considerable effort to educate and prepare people for the opening of entires given the high volume of demand we were anticipating.”
Originally published as 50,000 in queue as Gold Coast marathon faces unprecedented demand
How Qld plans to fix the state’s nursing shortage
