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Gold Coast Marathon 2025: Start times, tips, live updates, road closures, parking, transport

There were broken records and emotional moments in their thousands, as 39,000 people took to the streets for the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Catch up on everything that happened on and off the course here.

Leanne Pompeani first female winner of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Leanne Pompeani first female winner of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

That’s all from us here at the Gold Coast Bulletin after this mammoth Gold Coast Marathon weekend. Congratulations to everyone who competed, and a big thank you to everyone who got out and supported their friends, family, or total strangers.

Catch up on everything from on and off the course below.

‘DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THIS’

That’s a wrap on the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon after officials have called time on the 42.195km race.

Today’s racing followed yesterday’s ‘Super Saturday’ spectacular which saw course records fall in the Gold Coast Airport 5km, Australia Fair 2km Junior Dash, and Victoria’s Andy Buchanan emphatically take Pat Carroll’s 31-year strong Australian all-comers record in the China Airlines Half Marathon.

Over 39,000 people competed across the 45th annual weekend, with 3,500 from 50 countries overseas and 80 percent of all participants travelling to the event from outside the Gold Coast.

Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion said his team is ecstatic with how the event has gone.

“There were record numbers on the streets, plenty of records tumbling across the races, untold numbers of personal bests and Mother Nature played her part magnificently,” Mr Mannion said.

“It really doesn’t get any better than this,” he said.

SEVEN DAYS, SEVEN STATES, SEVEN MARATHONS

Melbourne runner Pete Gutbrod completed an extraordinary feat Sunday, crossing the Gold Coast Marathon finish line to cap off seven marathons in seven states in seven consecutive days.

The gruelling week-long challenge across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast has raised $15,000 for Bravehearts, a charity supporting survivors and victims of child sexual abuse.

“It just means I can make a difference and hopefully protect kids against sexual abuse,” Gutbrod said.

The statistics driving his marathon mission are stark.

Pete Gutbrod at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Pete Gutbrod at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.

“It affects one in four children which is not good enough in this country,” he said.

“So if we can do something about it and raise awareness by doing what we’re doing - it’s going to make a difference.”

Gutbrod said he felt “emotional” after completing the mammoth challenge.

“I’ve been thinking about this moment all week and now it’s happened,” he said.

The seven-day, seven-state odyssey represents one of the most ambitious fundraising challenges attempted at Australian marathon events, with Gutbrod covering more than 295km while criss-crossing the continent.

RUNNING FOR SISTER WITH CANCER

An embrace at the finish line marked more than just a personal milestone for Gold Coast Marathon debutant Tash Sibaie - it represented strength in the face of devastating family news.

The 28-year-old crossed the line with partner Michael Sibaie Sunday, completing her first marathon just two weeks after her twin sister’s cancer diagnosis.

“I did it for my sister,” Mrs Sibaie said.

“She got diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma so I did it for her,” she said breaking down in tears.

“She was diagnosed two weeks ago.”

She said the emotional weight of the recent news drove her through the 42.195km course.

“I feel strong like her. I feel really proud.”

The couple celebrated their run at Broadwater Parklands, Sibaie’s sister couldn’t attend due to impending chemotherapy treatment but was “cheering her on” from home.

“It’s her first one,” Michael said proudly of his partner’s marathon debut.

Sibaie described learning of her sister’s diagnosis as “awful” but remained optimistic about the prognosis.

“But she’s strong so she’s going to be fine,” she said.

The newly-minted marathoner had one priority after crossing the finish line.

“I’m going to go call her now. I’m going to relax and spend time with family,” she said.

RUN RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN

Graham Whittaker served up sweet entertainment at the Gold Coast Marathon, crossing the finish line at 11:30am on Sunday donning an inflatable gingerbread suit in gingerbread for his final inflatable costume suit.

The Gold Coaster has previously made attempts to break a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume, and for this race traded his signature T-Rex suit for the gingerbread man.

The costume swap came after two years of dinosaur disasters - a burnt-out fan in year one, followed by a tail-ripping incident when “someone trod on it” in year two.

“So I went with a smaller suit with no tail,” he said.

Graham Whittaker as the gingerbread man crosses the finish line at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Graham Whittaker as the gingerbread man crosses the finish line at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.

Whittaker said he fell “about 40 minutes off” the record, putting the result down to stifling conditions in the suit.

Over the course of the 42.195Km race he endured what he described as oven-like conditions.

“It’s probably 45, 50 degrees,” Whittaker said of the sauna-like heat inside his festive outfit.

“It’s a smaller suit so there’s just a lack of air. I had to stop a lot more times than expected,” he said.

The heat and sweat accumulation slowed his pace significantly.

“After about 12, 15km the amount of sweat in the suit dragged it down and that limited my leg movement,” he said.

Despite the torture, Whittaker refused to strip down mid-race.

“Once you start something you have to see it through,” he said.

Armed with three fans and four battery packs, plus “a couple little blowers just to blow some warm air up into my face,” the former marathon pacer endured crowd chants of “Run Run as fast as you can, go Gingerbread Man.”

He said his motivation was “just for fun.”

“It’s perfect, it’s Christmas in July with the sand and that.“

But after entertaining “a lot of kids and families,” Whittaker is hanging up his inflatable suits for good.

“I can categorically tell you - I will not be doing another marathon in an inflatable suit again,” he said

WONDER WOMAN NEARS 100-MARATHON MILESTONE

A Canberra mother has completed her 98th marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon, putting her just two races away from a rare century milestone.

Amanda Bisa will attempt to reach 100 marathons at Canberra’s Centenary Trail next month, a 145km loop course that will test even her considerable endurance.

Amanda Bisa after the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Amanda Bisa after the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“If you’re looking for a real challenge, come to Canberra,” she said.

The seasoned athlete praised the Gold Coast’s atmosphere after completing marathon number 98 on Sunday.

“The Gold Coast atmosphere is pretty phenomenal - and it’s great to see so many runners out,” Bisa said.

However, she couldn’t help but notice the injury count along the course.

“I give absolute kudos to everyone out there, but there’s going to be a lot of sore people tomorrow - they’re dropping like flies,” she said. “Seriously people, get yourselves some good running shoes.”

The advice comes from a runner who has covered 4,135km across 98 marathons and runs daily with her children aged 16 and 12.

“They come walking and running and hiking with me. I’ve got one on the bike and the other one comes out as well. You make a thing of it - life’s too busy just to worry about yourselves,” she said.

“We might do 20 or 30kms on a Saturday and Sunday.”

Her husband stays home, which Bisa jokes is “the secret to a happy marriage”.

And her running philosophy centres on enjoyment rather than personal records.

“Life is not a race. It’s about the training. It’s about being with family and enjoying it,” she said. “Gone are the days of PBs - you’re running for you.”

GOLD COAST MARATHON COURSE RECORD SMASHED

Japanese runner Yuki Takei has smashed the course record at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon, shaving seven seconds off the previous record made in 2023 by Naoki Koyama.

Takei finished in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 33 seconds, a stellar effort on the 42.195km course.

Ethiopian runner Tegest Ymer won the women’s category in just under two and a half hours.

Nurshodiq Nurshodiq at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Nurshodiq Nurshodiq at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Odekta Elvina Naibaho at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Odekta Elvina Naibaho at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Nurshodiq Nurshodiq at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Nurshodiq Nurshodiq at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.

WHEELCHAIR MARATHON COMPLETE

The men’s and women’s wheelchair races were wrapped up in little over an hour and a half, with Samuel Rizzo once again taking out the top gong in the men’s category, and Madison de Rozario winning the women’s category.

15,000 MARATHONERS HIT THE PAVEMENT

More than 15,000 runners have crossed the start line in the 2025 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, ready to tackle the 42.195km.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon as the race started at 6.15am from Broadwater Parklands, with the promise of a warm day ahead.

The event is one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.

There are 9,000 more athletes competing in this year than last year, making it the largest Gold Coast Marathon in the event’s history.

Australian former world champion marathon runner Robert de Castella gave a pre-run pump up saying “pain is temporary, marathon is forever” as Gold Coasters cheered and runners stood nervously at the starting line.

A record crowd of 15,000 runners at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
A record crowd of 15,000 runners at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.

Runners spent the pre-dawn hours stretching and hydrating while thousands of spectators lined the course, many in costumes and carrying creative signage.

A record crowd of 15,000 runners at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.
A record crowd of 15,000 runners at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday, July 6. Picture: Rosie Gale.

Other locals watched from apartment balconies along the route as they sipped their morning coffees in what has turned out to be a beautiful warm morning - 16 degrees with not a breath of wind.

The 42.195km course takes participants south to Miami, north to Paradise Point, then back to the finish chute at Southport.

Prize money of $20,000 awaits the marathon winner, with men chasing Naoki Koyama’s 2:07:40 record from 2023 and women targeting Yuki Nakamura’s 2:24:22 mark from 2024.

Second place earns $8,000 while third takes home $5,000.

Gold Coast Marathon budgy smuggler runner Samuel Steeg raising money for Eat Up charity

WHEELCHAIR MARATHON OFF AND RACING

Elite wheelchair athletes began their 42.195km journey at 6:10am on Sunday, launching what organisers say will be the biggest Gold Coast Marathon on record.

The field raced out from Broadwater Parklands targeting serious prize money and potentially rewriting history, with Kurt Fearnley’s male record of 1:30:18 from 2016 and Christie Dawes’ female mark of 1:43:45, also set in 2016, in their sights.

The atmosphere is electric with the event attracting participants and spectators from around the world.

John Graham performed a Welcome to Country which was followed by the national anthem before athletes took their marks at the starting line.

12 wheelchair athletes will traverse the world-standard course along the Gold Coast’s coastline, heading south the Miami turn point and then north along Runaway Bay before finishing along the Broadwater Parklands in Southport.

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Catch up with everything that happened on Saturday from here on.

The first day of the Gold Coast Marathon was a great day for those on and off the track, and by 1pm all athletes were home and hosed.

Tens of thousands of athletes participated in events on Saturday, from the half marathon, 10km events, 5km events, junior dash, and wheelchair events.

Gold Coast Marathon: Amanda Dann and Lee Pratt, the couple who married on the starting line in 1996

VIKING TAKES NO PRISONERS

Sammy Harrison is taking no prisoners as the Melburnian man takes on his first full marathon tomorrow.

Decked out in his Viking attire after rading the record books, Sammy said the 5km was a mere outfit test run today ahead of tomorrow’s main event.

Karissa Walker and Sammy Harrison at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew
Karissa Walker and Sammy Harrison at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

“Today was a wardrobe check for tomorrow,” he said.

“Everything’s held together and I think we can tick it off and it’ll work tomorrow.”

Dressed as Barbie’s Ken last year Sammy said he wanted to do one better going into this year’s big event - and it was all about having a bit of fun.

Karissa Walker and Sammy Harrison at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew
Karissa Walker and Sammy Harrison at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

“I just like to get out and run and if I can make people happy at the same time that’s the main thing,” he said.

“It’s nice giving everyone a high five and laughing.”

RUNNERS THE PERFECT TEST SUBJECT

In a sea of marathon supporters waving motivational signs, one crafty researcher has turned crowd support into an academic recruitment strategy.

Filip Kolodziej’s cheeky placard stands out among the sea of “Go Mum!” and “You’re almost there!” messages - his reads “Do My PhD studies please” complete with a QR code for instant sign-ups.

Filip Kolodziej at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew
Filip Kolodziej at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

The Irish PhD student at Griffith University isn’t just cheering on mates in today’s events - he’s hunting for endurance athletes willing to become test subjects for his research on asthma medication’s effects on performance.

“I do research on endurance sports and I’m looking for people to participate in my study,” Kolodziej said.

His research tackles a gap in sports science, examining whether asthma medications that boost sprinting and weightlifting performance have the same effect on endurance events.

“Many famous athletes have been using them. For example multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome has been openly using the medication,” he said.

Filip Kolodziej at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew
Filip Kolodziej at the Gold Coast marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

“Cross country skiers in Norway are notorious for using it.”

Halfway through his research with 12 test subjects down and “maybe another 10” to go, he’s banking on marathon runners being more receptive than your average uni student.

He said the GC Social Tri Club has already helped his cause, and participants also get “something back”.

“We do VO2Max test at the baseline to characterise their level of fitness, but I’m also able to generate nice reports to inform their training.”

With thousands of potential recruits streaming past his sign he certainly is at the right place.

Laura Willingham honours mate with 10km challenge at Gold Coast marathon

FINAL EVENT

The final event of Saturday’s Gold Coast Marathon - The Gold Coast Airport 5km run kicked off at 11:45am.

More than 5,000 athletes are participating in the 5km.

Hundreds of spectators have gathered to cheer on their friends and family members.

Many athletes in today’s 5km are treating the event as a warm up to Sunday’s marathon which kicks off at 6:15am.

MINI ATHLETES GIVE IT THEIR ALL

Hundreds of youngsters aged between five and 14 have took off in a sprint as they make the mad dash around the same course as some of the world’s best athletes.

Family and friends cheer on as the mini athletes and those there to just give it a crack tackle the 2km course.

Hunter McInnes and Noe McPherson both 10yrs in the Junior dash at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Annette Dew
Hunter McInnes and Noe McPherson both 10yrs in the Junior dash at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

The best reason for one kid taking part is something that would resonate with many of us - she’s doing it for the food.

“Food - there’s delicious fruit at the end and that just motivates me because I love food and eating,” Hunter McInnes said.

“I’ll be very tired and not in the mood for eating too much, so I’ll have some fruit to recover.”

As for friend Noe McPherson, she’s hanging out for the Vege Chips.

“I saw them down here yesterday, I’m going to be getting my hands on them,” she said.

As for after they replenish their energy levels, Hunter said she’ll be having a five hour nap, and Noe enjoying the rest of her afternoon unwinding in bed.

10KM RACES KICK OFF

The Southern Cross University 10km run began with thousands of punters taking part in this year’s race.

Kicking off at 9.25am the time to beat is 28.42 held by record setter Jordan Gusman in 2018 for the men and 32.09 held by Lisa Weightman for the women.

This year’s first prize is $1000, but the real prize for punters was a high five and some smooth air guitar from Gold Coast Marathon mascot, Bonza.

Tammy Motley at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Tammy Motley at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.

The Wheelchair 10km started with four racers taking part in this year’s event.

First prize takes out $500 with the race records held by Samuel Rizzo in 2022 for the men and Emily Tapp in 2023 for the women.

This year’s athletes were cheering each other on at the start line with fist pumps and smiles.

WHEELCHAIR RACES BRING FRESH ENERGY

The start of the 2025 Gold Coast Wheelchair 10km. Picture: Glenn Campbell
The start of the 2025 Gold Coast Wheelchair 10km. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The wheelchair division is bringing fresh energy to this year’s Gold Coast Marathon, with a schedule shake-up putting both the 5km and 10km events on Saturday.

Wheelchair operations manager Amy Nichol, who oversees all wheelchair events across the 5km, 10km and marathon distances, said the change has created a buzz among competitors.

Tylah McDonald and Nicole Bates at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.
Tylah McDonald and Nicole Bates at the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Rosie Gale.

“It’s exciting,” Nichol said. “Athletes are feeling really good about it. We just had a really good start to the 10km.”

The wheelchair community continues to draw strong support from spectators, despite being a smaller field than the running events.

“There’s people that come and who’ve met our athletes from previous years and it’s no different to the runners except for the fact we’re a smaller group so we probably command a bit more attention,” Nichol said.

“Some of them are here for speed, some of them are here to participate, so it depends.”

The positive atmosphere has been a standout feature of this year’s event, with Nichol noting the vibe is “great” among both athletes and supporters.

FROM THE FINISH LINE

The finish line of the 2025 Gold Coast half marathon is buzzing with excitement as elite athletes cross the line.

Among the finishers was NRL legend Johnathan Thurston, who was chuffed to have finished his very first half-marathon, and Buddy Franklin.

Johnathan Thurston finishes first ever half-marathon at Gold Coast marathon

Johnathan Thurston and Buddy Franklin cross the line in the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Johnathan Thurston and Buddy Franklin cross the line in the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Vomit bags are commonplace with spectators taking a quick step back whenever a sick bag looks like it may just be used.

The first finishers powered across the finish line about an hour after the race started.

Andrew Buchanan was the first person across the line breaking the course record set by Benson Masya from Kenya in 1992, and Leanne Pompeani was the first female to cross the finish line.

Lilly and Kate Burns at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Lilly and Kate Burns at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

All the way from Japan Atsushi Takayama, Hiroki Kai (crazy Karo) and Wataru Nakamura crossed the finish line with friends in cheers and laughter.

The trio arrived from Japan on Tuesday with crazy Karo living up to his name, taking on the double: half-marathon today and the full distance marathon tomorrow.

They said they loved their first Gold Coast Marathon event and will be back again next year.

BEST FRIENDS CHASE DREAM

Best friends since childhood Meg Hennessy and Amy Dwyer fulfilled their dream of completing a half marathon together.

Now 25, the besties since year seven may live in different cities, but that didn’t stop them from making this longtime dream a reality this weekend.

“It’s always been a goal to do one together,” Meg said.

“Since we both got into running we’ve been planning on doing one, Amy was injured previously but we’ve come back strong and got this done together which is a good feeling.”

Having been forced to pull out for the last few years due to injury, Amy said crossing that finish line was a great feeling.

“It means a lot, I’m happy with my time,” she said.

However, Meg who only flew in from Sydney last night, faced a few challenges battling a nose bleed in the first 5km.

Meg Hennessy and Amy Dwyer at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Annette Dew
Meg Hennessy and Amy Dwyer at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

“Then my knees started giving in, I was just happy to finish,” she said.

“This is my fourth half marathon in four and a half months so I’m just happy with that.”

Having only just returned from Europe this week where she completed a half marathon in Iceland, Meg said the energy along the Gold Coast course was incomparable with the other side of the world.

“(Iceland) was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever done, but it was cold, and there weren’t as many supporters as here,” she said.

“The support here... I was struggling in the last 2km but from the supporters on the sideline, people on the track bringing you home - it really shows you the spirit. It’s a team sport even though it’s individual.”

Crowds at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Crowds at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Stay up to date with results from the course here.

STARTING GUN FOR SATURDAY’S BIGGEST RACE

It’s 6.15am and the starting gun has fired on the city’s biggest ever Gold Coast Marathon.

Rachel Hoch (L) and Melanie Cameron at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Rachel Hoch (L) and Melanie Cameron at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Thousands of punters crossed the start line on Saturday morning as they take on the first event of the marathon weekend – the gruelling half.

EliteÕs crossing the line in the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
EliteÕs crossing the line in the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The 21km course for the half event will see participants traverse the world-standard course from Southport to Paradise Point, through Runaway Bay and Labrador.

Crowds at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Crowds at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

11,000 crossed the start line for the half-marathon distance alone, with thousands more expected to participate in races throughout the rest of the weekend.

As well as those running, there are thousands of spectators lining the course to cheer on a friend, loved one, or complete stranger.

Johnny Tran, Shez Immanuel, and their dogs Aspen, Pate and Butter, drove from Brisbane to cheer on from the sidelines of the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Ashleigh Jansen.
Johnny Tran, Shez Immanuel, and their dogs Aspen, Pate and Butter, drove from Brisbane to cheer on from the sidelines of the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Ashleigh Jansen.

Placegetter prize money for the half marathon will see $5,000 go to first, $2,500 second and $1,000 to third.

This year’s favourites for the women are Aussies Leanne Pompeani and Jess Stenson.

Leanne came in first place for the women in last year’s half with Jess coming in at second place.

EliteÕs crossing the line in the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
EliteÕs crossing the line in the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

For the men Andy Buchanan and Brett Robinson are the ones to beat with Andy taking out the half last year, and Brett in 2023 and 2022.

This year’s numbers break previous event records with more than 39,000 entrants over the two days – 9,000 up from last year.

Smiling faces at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Smiling faces at the start of the 2025 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Saturday’s events will see the half followed by the Wheelchair 10km, the Southern Cross 10km, the Australia Fair Junior Dash, the Wheelchair 5km and the Gold Coast Airport 5km.

Stay tuned for live updates and all the colour from Gold Coast Marathon 2025.

New safety measures

For the first time in Australian marathon history, eight trained first aiders will be running in Sunday’s Gold Coast Marathon 42.2km event.

The medically trained athletes will be stationed throughout the course of the marathon equipped with additional training to provide immediate response to those who need it.

Event medical director Dr Hayley Frieslich said the concept was adopted from China in the hope of providing additional safety to athletes.

“This is the first time this has been implemented in the Gold Coast Marathon, and it’s the first time in Australia as well,” Dr Frieslich said.

“We’ve trained them in CPR and they also have the ability to treat any wounds that someone might have, or if someone is in need of any assistance, they can get that on the course.”

Gracie Richter among the finishers in the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon.
Gracie Richter among the finishers in the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon.

First aid volunteers will be dressed in orange bibs with their race number on the front and ‘medical runner’ on the back, making them easy to spot throughout the course.

Dr Frieslich said each medical runner had nominated a running time, meaning they will be stationed at different intervals, with a focus on the back end of the course.

“If anyone’s in trouble we can provide immediate response to where they are and be able to then send additional support to treat the patients,” she said.

The addition joins a comprehensive response unit staffed by senior emergency medical doctors and senior emergency nurses.

The additional measures come two years after French national Florian Gallay died after he suffered a cardiac arrest near the Gold Coast Marathon finish line.

Timo Michalik a sub 3.30 finisher in the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell
Timo Michalik a sub 3.30 finisher in the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

At the time Queensland Ambulance Service supervisor Justin Payne said a doctor and a paramedic were on the scene and attended to him within a minute.

Mr Payne said a defibrillator was applied and Mr Gallay was taken by ambulance to Gold Coast University Hospital where he later tragically died.

Mr Gallay was among two men who collapsed during the 42.4km event in 2023 alongside Elanora man Camryn Lloyd, 29 at the time, who spent two months in a coma after he suffered heat stroke while running, which triggered a condition called rhabdomyolysis.

Dr Frieslich said she implores this year’s participants to stick to their race plan, and ensure they stay hydrated.

“My plea is stick to your race plan, make sure you’ve got your hydration right and if you need us, we’re here and we’re ready to respond,” she said.

Dr Frieslich also advised cardiac arrest in racers can look slightly different to a cardiac arrest in the community.

Jean-Luc Gallay (father) and Yvan Gallay (brother), hold the photo tributes presented to them where French marathon entrant Florian Gallay suffered a cardiac arrest in 2023 at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Jean-Luc Gallay (father) and Yvan Gallay (brother), hold the photo tributes presented to them where French marathon entrant Florian Gallay suffered a cardiac arrest in 2023 at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Patients may be on the ground and not responding to you – their eyes may still be open and they may still be breathing,” she said.

“It’s important that they are still flagged early because they could be in cardiac arrest.”

Dr Frieslich said more than 25 checkpoints along with bicycles, motorcycles, cars and the Queensland Ambulance Service will be stationed across the course and race precinct, with additional support added at this year’s event to cater to the huge increase in race numbers.

“With increased participants this year, we anticipate increased responses,” Dr Frieslich said.

“So we’ve placed additional resources all through the course to make sure that we can respond to that.”

Dr Frieslich also said runners should be mindful of what they do after the event – with a key focus on hydration as well as minimising alcohol intake.

ROAD CLOSURES

Police-controlled road closures will be in place from Paradise Point to Miami on Saturday and Sunday.

SATURDAY

Paradise Point

The Esplanade: Elder Ave to Falkinder Ave 3.30am – 8.45am

Bayview Street: Falkinder Ave to Matthew Flinders Dr 3.30am – 8.45am

Hollywell

Bayview Street: Matthew Flinders Dr to Holly Ave 3.30am – 8.45am

Runaway Bay

Bayview Street: Holly Ave to Lae Dr 3.30am – 9.00am

Lae Drive: Bayview St to Morala Ave 3.30am – 7.35am

Bayview Street: Lae Dr to Jennifer Ave 3.30am – 9.15am

Bayview Street: Jennifer Ave to Ocean St 3.30am – 9.15am

Biggera Waters

Marine Parade: Ocean St to Brisbane Rd 3.30am – 9.30am

Labrador

Brisbane Road: Turpin Rd to Marine Pde (Eastbound lanes) 3.30am – 11.15am

Marine Parade: Brisbane Rd to Broad St 3.30am – 11.15am

*Frank Street 3.30am – 1.15pm

Marine Parade: Broad St to Imperial Pde 3.30am – 11.15am

Marine Parade: Imperial Pde to Frank St 3.30am – 1.15pm

Southport

Marine Parade: Frank St to North St 3.30am – 1.30pm

North Street: High St to Gold Coast Hwy (Eastbound lanes) 3.30am – 1.30pm

Marine Parade: North St to Ada Bell Way 3.30am – 1.30pm

Queen Street: Scarborough St to Gold Coast Hwy (Eastbound lanes) 8.45am – 10.15am

Gold Coast Hwy: Ada Bell Way to Waterways Dr 8.45am – 10.15am

Sundale Bridge – FULL CLOSURE 8.45am – 10.15am

SUNDAY

Biggera Waters

Bayview Street: Madang Cres (North) to Ocean St 3.30am – 1.00pm

Marine Parade: Ocean St to Brisbane Rd 3.30am – 1.30pm

Labrador

Brisbane Road: Turpin Rd to Marine Pde (Eastbound lanes) 3.30am – 1.30pm

Marine Parade: Brisbane Rd to Broad St 3.30am – 2.15pm

Frank Street 3.30am – 12.45pm

Marine Parade: Broad St to Robert St 3.30am – 2.15pm

Southport

Marine Parade: Robert St to North St 3.30am – 2.30pm

North Street: High St to Gold Coast Hwy 3.30am – 2.30pm

Marine Parade: North St to Ada Bell Way 3.30am – 2.30pm

Queen Street: Scarborough St to Gold Coast Hwy (Eastbound lanes) 5.45am – 7.15am

Gold Coast Hwy: Ada Bell Way to Waterways Dr (Southbound Lanes) 3.30am – 12.00pm

Sundale Bridge – FULL CLOSURE

Gold Coast Hwy: Ada Bell Way to Tedder Ave 5.45am – 7.15am

Main Beach

Waterways Drive: Gold Coast Hwy to MacArthur Pde 3.30am – 12.00pm

SeaWorld Dr: Full closure 3.30am – 8.00am

Main Beach Parade: Waterways Dr to MacArthur Pde 3.30am – 11.45am

Main Beach Parade: MacArthur Pde to Ferny Ave 3.30am – 11.45am

Surfers Paradise

Esplanade: Ferny Ave to Clifford St 3.30am – 11.45am

Clifford St: Esplanade to Surfers Paradise Blvd 3.30am – 11.30am

Gold Coast Highway: Surfers Paradise Blvd to Fern St 3.30am – 11.30am

Surfers Paradise Blvd: Clifford St to Gold Coast Hwy 3.30am – 11.30am

Northcliffe Terrace: Clifford St to Fern St 3.30am – 11.30am

Fern St: Gold Coast Highway to Old Burleigh Rd 3.30am – 11.30am

Old Burleigh Road: Fern St to First Ave 3.30am – 11.00am

Broadbeach

Broadbeach Blvd: First Ave to Queensland Ave 3.30am – 11.00am

Old Burleigh Rd: Queensland Ave to Alexandra 3.30am – 11.00am

Mermaid Beach

Alexandra Ave: Old Burleigh Rd to Gold Coast Hwy 3.30am – 10.45am

Gold Coast Highway (Southbound Lanes): Alexandra Ave to Seashell Ave 3.30am – 10.45am

Seashell Ave: Gold Coast Hwy to Albatross Ave 3.30am – 10.30am

Hedges Ave: Alexandra Ave to Seashell Ave 3.30am – 10.45am

Albatross Ave: Seashell Ave to Chairlift Ave 3.30am – 10.30am

Miami

Marine Parade: Chairlift Ave to Riviera Rd 3.30am – 10.15am

TIPS

– Arrive one hour before your race.

– G:Link will be operating from 4am both days. Get off for the race at Broadwater Parklands and display your race number to get free travel on the morning of your race.

– Drop off zone is on Davenport St, access via Nerang St.

PARKING

Mal Burke Car Park, Hicks Street

Athol Patterson, Suter Street

Australia Fair Shopping Centre (east side)

People with a disability permit can use the VIP car park at Carey Park in front of Australia Fair Shopping Centre.

RACE TIMES

Saturday

China Airlines Half Marathon: 6.15am

Wheelchair 10km: 9.15am

Southern Cross University 10km: 9.25am

Australia Fair 2km Junior Dash: 11.10am

Wheelchair 5km: 11.30am

Gold Coast Airport 5km: 11.45am

Sunday

Wheelchair Marathon: 6.10am

ASICS Gold Coast Marathon: 6.15am

Laura Willingham honours mate with 10km challenge at Gold Coast marathon

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-marathon-2025-start-times-tips-live-updates-road-closures-parking-transport/news-story/be48699237bb75c909da6f6103eab5a8