Gold Coast Marathon 2025: Record-breaking economic impact as event draws 39,000-strong crowd

The Gold Coast Marathon’s success will pump a record $60m into the economy as city leaders look to ramp up our tourism and events calendar. FIND OUT MORE

The Gold Coast Marathon’s success will pump a record $60m into the economy as city leaders look to ramp up our tourism and events calendar.

The two-day festival went off without a hitch, with bosses spruiking a record competitive field and the “priceless” images of “the Gold Coast at its best”.

Events Management Queensland chairman Paul Donovan said it has been an “unbelievable” weekend.

“This is the biggest marathon we have ever had, with 39,000 people competing over the two days and, with an average of two people coming along with every competitor, it has delivered in a big way for the economy,” he said.

The Gold Coast Marathon has been declared a big success for 2025. Picture: Rosie Gale.

“Just look at the numbers, 52 per cent of the competitors came from outside Queensland, 3500 internationals and our hotels are at 95 per cent capacity for the weekend.

“The restaurants were full up and own the coastline and we have never had crowds like it before.”

Mr Donovan praised his staff and said he was “in awe” of their professionalism in putting on an event which had delivered such a significant injection into the economy.

“The impact of it is now north of $60m which is a big jump up from a few years ago, but it shows the success of delivering a wonderful experience because it keeps people coming back,” he said.

Paul Donovan (centre) praised the work of his team to deliver a record-breaking Gold Coast Marathon event. Picture, Portia Large.

“Across the weekend we got to see the Gold Coast at its best and the coverage which was beamed all over the world showed it.

“We even had whales breaching off the coastline while the marathon was taking place.”

City leaders, buoyed by the marathon’s success, said there will be an increased focus this financial year on ramping up the events economy.

The Gold Coast City Council has dramatically increased funding for economic development, boosting the spend from $89.7m last financial year to $130m this year.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Mayor Tom Tate said the marathon was a critical event which threw down the gauntlet at the beginning of the financial year.

“We established Experience Gold Coast to grow our visitor economy, and recent visitor data has shown that the Gold Coast is ranked number one in Queensland and second nationally for visitor expenditure,” he said.

“As a high participation event on the Gold Coast the Marathon hits the ground running in attracting big visitor numbers, who then send spectacular images of our city across the nation and the world.

“Events are an important part of our tourism strategy, to encourage visitors to stay a few more days before and after.”