Weather: What to expect for the Gold Coast Marathon

Find out what’s in store for the 41st showing of the iconic event on Sunday

THOUSANDS of runners will tackle the 41st Gold Coast Marathon in the wet on Sunday, forecasts the Bureau of Meteorology.

Rainy weather which has beset the iconic event will likely continue until Monday or Tuesday, according to meteorologist David Rock.

However, it is likely falls will be a little lighter and “a bit more isolated” than on Saturday.

Elite competitors starting the Southern Cross University 10km Run in the wet. Picture: Tim Marsden

“It’s pretty much a continuation of what we’ve seen today,” Mr Rock said.

“It could be slightly nicer, a bit less drizzly.”

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The Bureau forecasts a maximum temperature of 22 degrees and a minimum of 18, accompanied by humidity of 72 per cent.

Downpours will be most likely in the morning – coinciding with the start of the main 42km race – and lessen in intensity as the day progresses.

“I’d be surprised if there isn’t any rain at all. There will be a shower or two, I’d say. Morning is more likely,” Mr Rock said.

Jarrod and Kendra Cooper, Kennedee and Cooper (kids), Jennie and Bruce (grandparents) before competing in the Southern Cross University 10km Run. Picture: Tim Marsden

It’s expected up to 2mm will fall, but rain will probably be patchy and more could be recorded in certain areas.

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Mr Rock said an “onshore south-easterly flow” was bringing cooler ocean air inland, causing the wet weather.

On the bright side, no storms were forecast and Mr Rock said winds will “start to ease” on Sunday.

The bureau forecasts south-easterly winds of 15kmh to 25kmh, tending to the east around midday before becoming lighter in the afternoon.

Up until 5.30pm on Saturday, the bureau recorded varied falls across the Gold Coast.

Between 5-6mm fell in areas around the Gold Coast Seaway, 2.4mm at the Seaway itself and 2mm at Burleigh Heads.

Ashmore’s Marlene Phillips, who is turning 80 on Sunday, celebrates with a friend at the finish line of the Gold Coast Airport Fun Run. Picture: Tim Marsden

But some parts of the Coast, including Coolangatta, recorded less than 1mm.

Gold Coast Marathon states on its website that “ideal winter running conditions” of low humidity, light wind and mild temperatures helped 60 per cent of participants achieve personal best times in past years.

Meanwhile, surfers will face better conditions than participants running the marathon tomorrow.

Mr Rock said hazardous conditions were easing, but waves of 2 to 2.5m metres were still expected on the open water, and “perhaps a little less on the beaches”.