Know before you go
What it is
The Gold Coast Marathon is a weekend of road races: the half marathon, 10km and shorter runs on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. Races start and finish at Broadwater Parklands in Southport; in 2026 the race precinct opened at 5am.
Arriving by car
Course roads close early on marathon Sunday: in 2026, Marine Parade at Labrador and the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise closed from 3:30am, and every car park in the race precinct was shut for race weekend. Experience Gold Coast's 2026 guide advised arriving an hour before your start.
Getting home
In 2026 the course roads at Labrador and Surfers Paradise reopened at about 11:15am and 11:45am, and G:link trams ran extra services until 2pm. Book the ride back for after the roads reopen.
Good to knowIn 2026, runner check-in and the expo were at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, not at the race precinct. Entries for 2027 were due to open in early December 2026.
Facts checked 1 Nov 2026 · Sources: goldcoastmarathon.com.au, ridetheg.com.au, experiencegoldcoast.com
Make it a trip
Questions
When is the Gold Coast Marathon?
3–4 July 2027. The marathon is on the Sunday; the half marathon and 10km are on the Saturday.
Where can a car drop off for the Gold Coast Marathon?
We found no official drop-off zone, and in 2026 the precinct car parks closed for race weekend and course roads closed from 3:30am. Arrive before the closures, or take the G:link to the Southern Broadwater Parklands stop.
Can I book the trip back too?
Yes. Add the return trip when you book.
We are a group with lots of bags. Which car?
Pick the car size when you book. Bigger cars are offered for more people and bags.