2032 Olympic Games: Push to lure marathon to the Gold Coast from the Sunshine Coast

Tourism, political and marathon bosses are pushing for the Gold Coast to seize a major sporting event for the 2032 Olympic Games from the Sunshine Coast.

Tourism, political and marathon bosses are pushing for the Gold Coast to seize the 2032 Olympics marathon from the Sunshine Coast,

The people behind the bumper Gold Coast Marathon weekend are keen to put the city on the radar of the Olympics 2032 organisers after records tumbled amid a sellout main race.

The Gold Coast’s drawcard annual running extravaganza attracted 24,000-plus entrants for eight race events from 2km junior dashes to the 42.2km marathon which sold out to capacity.

Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast was “perfect” for the Olympics, pointing to a great record hosting major events, including the marathon for 43 years and during the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Glenn Hampson

200+ PHOTOS: 2023 Gold Coast Marathon mega gallery

Mr Tate said a Games marathon would deliver significant economic events and marketing opportunities.

“When the marathon is being run along the coast, the footage highlights this is a wonderful place and perhaps in the long game, the marathon for the Olympics should be here,” he said.

“Our marathon this weekend had an economic impact of $30m and if you look at the 24,000 people who participated, they brought families and friends as spectators so is wonderful (for the broad economic impact).”

The Games from mid-July 2032 would be a fortnight after that year’s Gold Coast Marathon, meaning the existing infrastructure and organisers would all be available.

Big crowds at the Gold Coast Marathon. Sunday July 2, 2023. Picture, John Gass

New Events Queensland CEO Ben Mannion, overseeing the Gold Coast Marathon weekend, said when asked about pushing for a Gold Coast Olympics marathon: “It hasn’t been a focus of mind in the first eight weeks (in the job) but once we review this weekend we’d love to have a conversation with the state government about what we think is the one of the best marathons in the world.

“One of the best things about the 2018 Commonwealth Games (on the Gold Coast) was we proved we’ve got the infrastructure. Everyone knows about the Gold Coast Marathon.

“It’s a fast track and those are the kinds of things that should attract the organisers to look at the Gold Coast course.

“We would love to sit down with the organisers at the appropriate time,” he said.

Events CEO Ben Mannion. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It is understood location discussions will ramp up after a 2032 Games “legacy” framework is finalised in coming months.

A spokesman for Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement Stirling Hinchliffe said there was no intention of changing planned event locations.

“The Master Plan delivered to the International Olympic Committee prior to being awarded the Games identifies all venues,” he said.

“The Gold Coast has six venues hosting 15 Olympic and Paralympic sports, plus an Olympic village home to 2,600 athletes and officials.”

The Bulletin understands the Broadwater Parklands are earmarked to host the Olympic triathlon, swimming and Paralympic triathlon.

The marathon held during the 2018 Commonwealth Games AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA

It’s understood the Sunshine Coast is pencilled in to host the 2032 Games and Paralympics marathons.

Tourism leaders eyebrows are raised given the Sunshine Coast is famous for hosting the annual Noosa Triathlon while the Gold Coast is better-known for the marathon.

Other events expected to be held on the Coast will be judo and wrestling, Paralympic boccia, indoor volleyball and Paralympic wheelchair rugby, volleyball preliminaries, weightlifting Olympic beach volleyball and the Paralympics’ football five-a-side.

Mr Mannion said he was keen to grow Gold Coast Marathon main race numbers after it hit capacity this year, requiring a course modification.

Rachel Hancock. Picture: Celeste Humphrey

He wouldn’t reveal the existing capacity but said he aimed to grow the main race to 10,000.

“We need to adapt it to get more people out on the course if we want to grow it. There is interest. But we will need a course that can fit more people.

“We want to try and make it 10,000 in the marathon,” he said, noting Sydney’s was 11,000.

Destination Gold Coast interim chief operating officer Rachel Hancock - who ran the 10km on Sunday - said: “Why wouldn’t you hold the Olympic marathon the Gold Coast? This is the most iconic marathon in Australia.”