2024 Gold Coast Marathon weekend coverage of 5km, half marathon, wheelchair, junior dash
Crowds ran, cheered and wheeled their way to the biggest Saturday the Gold Coast Marathon running festival has ever seen. See all the winners and colour from day one here
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One of Australia’s best long distance runners Robert de Castella cheered on his team of 12 as they crossed the finish line of the 2024 Gold Coast Half Marathon.
The world champion and his crew celebrated the milestone achievement that represents their halfway journey to the biggest event of its kind in the world - the New York Marathon as part of the Indigenous Marathon Project.
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In its 15th year the charity promotes healthy lifestyle and leadership, using running to celebrate Indigenous resilience and create leaders.
“It’s the opportunity to provide First Nations people to become leaders and to challenge themselves to cross the finish line to come out and feel proud, strong and confident,” Rob said.
IN PICTURES: GC MARATHON DAY ONE
“To take that into other areas of their life it’s all about leadership and healthy lifestyle.”
Inspired by the power of running, Rob represented Australia on an Olympic level and held the world record in the Gold Coast Marathon.
The champion runner said he knows the significance and the power running plays which is what pushed him all those years ago to start Indigenous Marathon Project.
“I was really challenged and couldn’t reconcile a lot of the challenges that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders have in Australia,” he said.
“I saw it as a way to instil pride and self worth and self belief - if you don’t feel as though you’re worth anything then you’ll never have the courage to take on any big challenges in your life.”
When the program first started in 2010 no Indigenous Australian had run a major international marathon. Now the program has 142.
“The finish line in Central Park has to be the start line,” Rob said.
“It’s what you have to do after you cross that finish line and how you’re going to use that experience to be a leader and to drive change.
“We’re not interested in elite athletes we’re interested in people who want to challenge and test themselves physically and have an impact - to step up and be those agents of change the country needs.”
IN PHOTOS: GOLD COAST MARATHON DAY ONE
One of those agent’s of change is Jye Murray, completing his first ever Half Marathon.
Jye said he felt pretty good mentally crossing the finish line, but there was a bit to go physically.
“We’ve all been training hard and we’re lucky to have the guidance,” he said.
“My lungs felt good, socks soaking wet - but mentally I’m proud of myself.”
1pm: Serving his country for 28 years, army veteran Peter Rudland’s career in the military came to an end when he was wounded in Afghanistan.
Separated from Defence, the Tweed local struggled coming to grips with what was next, citing it as “an emotional time.”
After coming to terms with his new journey, Peter is now a Gold Coast Marathon ambassador completing the 4km Wheelchair today and the full Wheelchair Marathon tomorrow.
“You stop being the person you once were and rediscover the person you are now,” he said.
“I was very lucky - the people who engaged with me were very mentally strong and they showed me that path from an early stage so I got over that sadness very quickly and discovered the new me.”
As part of his new journey of discovery the Gold Coast Marathon ambassador went back to study coming out as a qualified counsellor, enabling him to help other veterans suffering from PTSD.
He said it was events like the full Wheelchair Marathon that really test you - finding a bit of yourself on the journey.
12.01pm: Unable to even walk 12 weeks ago, Southport MP Rob Molhoek crossed the finish line for the Gold Coast airport 5km race on Saturday morning.
Regarded as one of the Gold Coast’s hardest working MPs, Mr Molhoek was rushed to the ED suffering a major stroke just four months ago.
The 64-year-old MP was emotional as he revealed how he went from being paralysed in critical care, to participating in his very first Gold Coast Marathon event.
“When I was in critical care one of the ward staff called Karen Smith said to me one of the most important things right now is to have a positive attitude,” he said.
“She started telling me about the fact she was putting a team together for the Marathon - I was still in bed half paralysed and I said, ‘well I’m going to sign up’.”
80+ PHOTOS: GC MARATHON FESTIVAL DAY ONE
Unable to walk, Mr Molhoek said with the help of physios and occupational therapists he was able to put one foot in front of the other to achieve this massive milestone in his recovery.
“It was a huge team they just kept pushing me,” he said.
“Then coming up to Easter they said you better get used to walking because we’re taking the wheelchair and I’ve been walking ever since.”
The MP managed to raise $5000 within a week of the 5km event for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.
“The irony is I’ve been a sponsor many times as a guest and this is the first time I’ve ever competed in it,” he said.
“I do feel pretty happy with myself - I’m just pleased to get here. I’ve been a bit anxious all week so it’s good to be here.”
Mr Molhoek said his body felt good and he planned to celebrate by having lunch with his incredible hospital team.
11.30am: Missing out on the sold out Half Marathon this year, brother and sister duo Ethan and Isabelle Pinto dressed up for the 5km for “a bit of fun”.
Joined by their two other sisters Melanie and Katherine, the siblings from Upper Coomera said this wasn’t their first rodeo.
Ethan, 21, said he had competed in the half at least six times previously, using this year’s 5km as a good excuse to have fun with his family.
“In terms of our outfits we just wanted to put smiles on peoples faces and have a good time,” Ethan said.
His 13-year-old sister Isabelle added: “The half was too full - we thought this was a fun run so why not, our sisters are dressed as prisoners, they’ve got a gun, handcuffs - we just are so proud of each other.”
The siblings said they were somewhat deterred by the rain, but were spurred on by the thousands of smiling faces throughout the Broadwater Parklands precinct.
10:45am: Fresh from competing as an Australian triathlete in Japan, Gold Coast local Toby Powers reigned supreme in Saturday’s final event: the Gold Coast Airport 5km run.
He crossed the line in a supreme time of 14:42, 22 seconds ahead of runner up and fellow Aussie Toby Chippendale.
80+ PICTURES: GC MARATHON DAY ONE
The women’s title was taken out by Russian-born athlete Olga Firsova, in a sensational return to running following an impact hip injury in late 2023.
“The crowds were amazing, even the other athletes were so supportive,” Powers said.
“It was just a great event and you couldn’t not run fast.
“It was just so good.”
Powers admitted the race had little to do with tactics and all to do with individuals executing their own plans, his of which included.
“I just had the thought of just going straight from the gun and as hard as I could,” he said.
“It worked out so that was very good.”
A Gold Coast local, Powers said he enjoyed the return to home soil.
“I’m used to the climate and these roads.
“It got quite hot at the end which was nice for me.
“It’s an awesome place to run.”
Finishing 21st overall and as the women’s champion, Firsova said her elated spirits were just a fraction of the excitement inside.
“It was fantastic to win, I really needed this for my confidence … it’s my first win in a really strong field,” she said.
“I came for the podium, I will be very honest.
“I knew I wouldn’t break the course record from last year but I was really hoping to do 15-high and I achieved that.”
Donning a hand-bedazzled running kit, Firsova was quick to thank the Gold Coast crowds for support in her accomplishment.
“This is why I keep coming back to Gold Coast, because of the crowd,” she said.
10:12am: Gold Coast Bulletin 4km Junior Dash champions Elke Rayward and Matthew Turner crossed the line in phenomenal times on Saturday, the pair still holding a year up their sleeve before aging out of the race.
Rayward, now a two-time champion of the event in 2023 and 2024 - and winner of the Coolangatta Gold - said running in a mixed-gender race helped her claim gold.
“I won last year and I just love running with the boys because they’re so fast and just good to push against,” she said
“Whenever I get to the end I just look around to see where the next girl is closest to me because I know I just have to push even harder.
“My sprint at the end isn’t very strong so I was just giving it 100% all the way.”
To the Gold Coast atmosphere, the 13-year-old local said she simply loved it.
“Everyone is cheering you on, even if they know you or not.”
Matthew Turner was the first runner to cross the line, coming in at 12:43 after an unorthodox start to the race.
“I was a bit too excited at the start … went out way too fast,” Turner said.
“I didn’t have too much of a race plan but it was probably to just try and go consistent.
“It’s definitely not what I did and I’ll get in trouble with my coach for that.
“It was very painful work, especially at the end I was really dying.”
The Brisbane teen said he’d be back in 2025 for his final year in the 4km event with the goal to not only win, but stick to a better plan.
10am: Queensland local sensation Joshua Brass has ticked off one more item on the bucket list, taking out the Gold Coast Marathon Wheelchair 4km event in its inaugural year.
In a time of 15:52, Brass crossed the line proudly in front of family and an intense Gold Coast crowd.
Talking tactics, the young racer admitted the weather had made turns difficult but was elated to execute his race plan.
“The race was good,” he said.
“First of all I decided to get some speed, especially for the hill at the start so then I knew I’d be able to cruise down with the momentum I had downhill.
“I kept trying to power forward until I got to the corner … and turned around.”
To racing in front of the Gold Coast atmosphere, particularly in a marathon event, Brass said it was something he enjoyed immensely.
“I like it, it’s fun.
“I get to try and beat my times from previous years and overall (it’s) a fun experience.”
Inspired by Australian sporting great Kurt Fearnley, the next on Brass’s agenda: Brisbane.
“My season is looking pretty busy because I do track and tennis and I’m targeting the Bridge To Brisbane,” he said.
Women’s victor Emily Foster took the crown in what was her first ever wheelchair race after just seven weeks of preparation.
“I’m feeling amazing,” she said.
“This was an incredible experience for me and I can’t wait to do it next time… the 4km, 10km or even longer.
After responding to an email invitation, Foster began training under Garth Plank at Griffith University and said it’s been the best thing to happen.
“He’s given me a new spark and a new love of life,” Foster said
“I’m enjoying it so much.”
She now plans to take on the Pan Pacific Masters this November while prepping for the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon and beyond.
9.50am: The 4km Wheelchair Dash has got off to a searing uphill start, with five entrants taking on the brand new event.
The all-Aussie field of Emily Foster, Peter Rudland, Craig Johnson, Grant Cunningham and Joshua Brass will reach speeds of up to 28km/h on the track.
9.40am: Pint-sized pavement pounders set off in fleeting sunshine for the Gold Coast Bulletin 2km Junior Dash.
More than 900 kids, and some enthusiastic parents, made a scorching start on Marine Pde at 9.40am while cheering crowds lined the street.
Junior sensations Judah Magarey and Ava Gard made a statement, taking out the boys and girls gold in style.
Magarey’s time of 6:37 put him just three seconds behind the course record, something he’d had in the back of his mind from the start line.
“It’s a bit of a shame I didn’t get the record… three seconds off,” he said.
“But I’m just happy I came away with a win for the second year in a row.”
2024 marks the nine-year
-old’s third year competing, though he also raced virtually during the pandemic in 2021.
The race plan didn’t go exactly to plan, but Magarey still offered a gaping smile at securing a back-to-back win.
“I got a fairly bad start but guess I made it up in the end,” he said.
“The crowds just erupt when you run past.
“(It’s) what keeps you going.
He’s got decades of ups and downs ahead, but when it comes to his running career, the young star is keeping an open mind for now.
“I’ll probably decide when I’m a bit older but for now I’ll just run and have fun with the community.”
Girls champion Ava Gard crossed the line shortly after Magarey with a stellar time of 7:31.
“I’m pumped about winning,” she said.
Camera shy but clearly relishing in the victory, Gard spoke about her next goal in the sport.
“I want to get to nationals for cross country so that’s something I want to accomplish.
At the end of the day, her winning advice is simply:
“Do your best and that’s all really … go as hard as you can run.
“Do your best and hi uncle Andy!”
Meanwhile, paramedics have treated a man who fell and injured his head during a medical episode near the marathon track at Marine Pde, Southport just after 9.20am.
The man in his 40s, who was not competing in an event, was tended to by onsite paramedics and Queensland Amublance Officers.
8.30am: Connection is the word of the morning as runners cross the finish line exhausted but beaming with pride.
Melbourne resident Paul Nguyen made the trip up to the Gold Coast for his second Half Marathon event.
Finishing today’s Half Marathon race in 1.30 Paul said he found running during Covid – desperate to find connection while trapped under strict State Government restrictions.
“I got into running through Covid in 2021 just to get out of my 5km zone and find connection,” he said.
“We have to find ways to connect and running is a great way – that’s my motivation.”
Celebrating a decade, Highland Run Crew in Upper Coomera started with a two man team and now boasts more than 56 members running it out.
Crossing the finish line today local mums Rikki Esdale, Jess Bemrose and Holly Trezise cheered each other on, embracing one another as they flew across the finish line.
With coach and pace setter Michael Cacciola running alongside them in support, mum Rikki said their Saturday crew was a sisterhood that saved her from postnatal depression.
“After my second baby I saw this guy (Michael) running around the Oxenford Lake and he saw me crying with my pram and he asked if I ran,” Rikki said.
“He pulled me out of that. That community feeling, that togetherness – I found the light back. I do it for my kids. I do it for me. I have a lot of purpose – this is sisterhood and we cried together out there.”
Coach Michael said anyone who says running is an individual sport is “kidding themselves”.
“It's a team sport you,” he said.
“Today this is about them – these women. They run together, train together – you do it together and you share moments like this and you keep coming back for more.”
7.20am: The skies opened as the first runners in the Gold Coast Marathon’s half marathon crossed the finish line – with Australians dominating.
Aussies Andy Buchanan and Isaac Heyne crossed the line in first and second for the men, while Leanne Pompeani and Jessica Stenson were the first women across the line.
It marks a first in the history books for Buchanan, who admitted the win hadn’t quite sunk in.
“It was pretty tough actually,” he said.
“I felt pretty average at 18km, I was on the back of the group that broke away.
“When you get to the front you just run scared.
“But I actually didn’t feel great out there at all, at any stage so (I’m) glad to finish first.”
Seeded 13th on personal bests, the 33-year-old Victorian broke from the leading pack of four 500m from the finish line to claim his first GCM half marathon title in a personal best time of 1:02:25.
“I probably don’t give myself the opportunity to win in my mind so I was really pleased with just committing to that move,” Buchanan said.
“You don’t get to win many races, especially on the Gold Coast.
“It’s one of the biggest running weekends so to win the half is definitely up there for me.
“Titles last forever, so I was really glad to get that.”
A three-time Southern Cross University 10km champion, Pompeani ran just 13 seconds off her personal best to cross the line in 1:09:20.
“I haven’t had a win in the half here so I’m very happy with that,” she said.
“We had men in the pack which was helpful … helped drag me along to the end.”
Pompeani and fellow Australian Jessica Stenson (second place) were level for much of the race before a final push from the 28-year-old Canberra runner gave her a 50 second lead.
“There wasn’t too much talking but we knew what was happening,” Pompeani said.
“We thought, while we’re here together, we’ll share the pace.
“The race plan was to go with the pack and that’s what I did.
“I slowed down like everyone else but not quite as much.”
Pompeani admitted missing out on Olympic qualification for the 5000m earlier this year had left a bitter feeling, though better things were coming.
“My planning was all off and I was very disappointed in my performances there,” she said.
“I love the Gold Coast, I love the roads … I feel a lot more comfortable.
“This just sets me up for the road racing season ahead and I’m excited to stay on the Australia circuit for that.”
Rain and headwinds on the return leg couldn’t dampen athletes’ spirits at the prospect of an Olympic marathon being held on the Gold Coast.
“This seems to be where it’s at,” Pompeani said.
“I can’t think of anything better than here.
“People come out on their balconies and give you a cheer.
“That will be when I’m hopefully in the marathon scene so I’d love to be part of that too,” she said.
7am: The leading runners in the Gold Coast Marathon’s half marathon are on the home stretch of the 21km with podium contenders heading through Biggera Waters towards the Southport finish line.
Isaac Heyne, favourite Shunsuke Shikama and Koki Kamata were leading the field among the men at the 15km mark, with Leanne Pompeani, Jessica Stenson and Sara Hall setting a cracking pace for the women, on track to finish in under one hour nine minutes.
Sitting on the sidelines isn’t too bad according to Brisbane resident Leah Hillhouse who was supposed to take part in today’s Half Marathon.
Struck down by sickness Leah’s cheering on her husband Will as he takes on his first Half Marathon event.
Despite the early morning rain Leah said the atmosphere was “awesome”.
“I got a bit sick so I’m here as cheer squad today,” she said. “I was devastated yesterday but this morning I’m happy to be on the sideline cheering on.”
Leah said she’ll wait to see if her husband Will is in “one piece” after the race to see if she’ll tackle next year’s half marathon.
6:15am: The starter’s gun has fired on the biggest ever Gold Coast Marathon weekend, with runners braving a wet and chilly morning for the half marathon.
The energy on the start line is buzzing as thousands of keen participants have laced up in preparation for today’s events kicking off with the Half Marathon at 6.15am, Junior Dash 2km at 9.40am Wheelchair 4km at 9.50am, Junior Dash 4km at 10am and Gold Coast Airport 5km at 10.30am.
Starting line weather for the record 10,000 competitors in the half marathon was 14C with showers, which are set to continue throughout the day as the temperature tops out at 19C later today.
Starters in tomorrow’s main event are looking at a minimum of 13C and a maximum of 21C in cloudy conditions.
More than 30,000 people have entered events across both days – a staggering 6000 more than last year’s 24,000.
Locals and visitors have been told to plan ahead for delays on the road due to the closure of key coastal thoroughfares.
This article will be updated throughout the weekend so be sure to check back for news as it unfolds.
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