Ann Wason Moore says the Gold Coast should have hosted the Olympic marathon in 2032

The Gold Coast Marathon is widely considered the best road race in Australia … so how did we lose the right to host the Olympic event?

Am I missing something?

We’re just days away from the start of the 43rd Gold Coast Marathon and it looks like we’re ready for an epic event.

The running festival is set to attract 24,000 competitors from 48 different countries, generating 90,000 visitor nights and pumping an estimated $27 million into the city economy.

Unbelievably, the signature 42km race sold out weeks ago.

Well, I say ‘unbelievably’ because I cannot believe one person, let alone 8000 (my husband included), would be willing to pay to inflict physical pain upon themselves.

But what is totally believable is that anyone interested in running a marathon (again, why?) would choose the Gold Coast Marathon.

I mean, just look at us.

Not only are we stunning, we’re fast too. And as any Cavill Ave nightclub owner would acknowledge, these are qualities that always appeal to punters.

Gold Coast Marathon Sunday Pic Mike BatterhamGold Coast Marathon Sunday . 10KM Race. Pic Mike Batterham

And when it comes to the Gold Coast Marathon itself, it’s all class.

As a World Athletics Label Road Race, it is widely considered the pinnacle of road running events in Australia and has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious marathons in the world during its four-decade history.

“Its famous flat, fast and scenic course located alongside the city’s renowned surf beaches and Broadwater, plus ideal winter running conditions featuring low humidity, little wind and mild temperatures result in 60 per cent of participants achieving personal best times each year,” says the GCM website.

Those plentiful PBs – and that stunning scenery – mean that our marathon is also the perfect sport for spectators.

So why, oh why, is the 2032 Olympic marathon set for the Sunshine Coast?

Make it make sense.

Back in 2021 when southeast Queensland was bidding for the Games (against no one), Moncrieff MP Angie Bell made the following statement:

“The Gold Coast Marathon has, of course, been a very successful event since 1979, so it is an exciting prospect for us on the Gold Coast to host the Olympic marathon in 2032 – absolutely brilliant,” she said.

Cut to a few months later, and we were cut from the race to host the event.

Gold Coast Marathon Sunday . 10KM Race. Pic Mike Batterham

Instead, the Sunshine Coast Marathon, which only started in 2012 and was awarded the World Athletics Label just this year, is the winner.

While the Sunshine Coast Marathon starts and finishes on the beachfront at (the admittedly also-stunning) Alexandra Headland, it then takes runners on a multi-lap course.

So, essentially, it’s like a glorified school fun run – just laps of the oval.

Guys, this is bull.

I’m already annoyed that while the region of southeast Queensland was considered host when it came to our Olympics bid, Brisbane is now the sole namesake.

Now I know there are many legitimate reasons for that name change, such as the need for an actual host ‘city’, and I (grudgingly) accept them, but it seems like it’s more than just a matter of semantics.

Whatever the argument over whether or not we should join the South East Queensland Council of Mayors and how that has affected our Olympic placing, it can’t be denied that our city has been shafted when it comes to the order of events.

According to the City of Gold Coast website, our region will play host only to the finals of judo, wrestling, volleyball, beach volleyball, weightlifting, the triathlon and the swimming marathon.

All of which are awesome sports, but arguably next to none of which are high-profile events. (Please note, I said arguably).

Now, I know that Deputy Mayor Donna Gates said she’s not interested in buying into a ‘Brisbane vs Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast battle-for-supremacy’ over the Olympics, and nor should she.

But I sure can.

On the basis of history, results and reputation, anyone can see that the Gold Coast Marathon course should be the gold-standard for the OIympics.

Fortunately, given the event is still nine years away, time is on our side.

Because when it comes to the role of the Gold Coast in the 2032 Olympics, it looks like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

And we have to cross that line.