Pack your trainers: Queensland marathons worth travelling for
List
By Kantesha Takai
Rocky River Run | Noosa Marathon | Brisbane Marathon | Great Whitehaven Beach Run | Gold Coast Marathon | Cairns Marathon | Airlie Beach Marathon | Townsville Running Festival | Sunshine Coast Marathon
Do you know how to push yourself the extra mile, drown out the heartbeat pulsating through your entire body, and ignore that voice in your head screaming ‘give up’?
Whether you run for exuberance, to inspire others or to improve your endurance, you’re bound to reach that euphoric state of runner’s high when you complete 42 gruelling kilometres at one of these Queensland marathons and running festivals.
Rocky River Run, Capricorn
Rocky River Run, Rockhampton, The Capricorn Region. Photo by @rockyriverrun
When: 18 May 2025
The Rocky River Run is The Capricorn Region's largest running event, raising money for much-needed charities.
Held in Rockhampton, the Rocky River Run comprises of four distances to choose from - 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km. You can either run, walk, wheel or stroll, or a mix of a few, in each race distance. Don't want to run solo? You can create and run with your team to support a good cause.
Runaway Noosa Marathon, Sunshine Coast
Runaway Noosa Marathon, Noosa, Sunshine Coast
When: 24 May 2025
Noosa is one of Australia’s premier endurance destinations, and its beachside streets will come alive with the sounds of live music and fast feet for the Runaway Noosa Marathon.
A fast, flat and friendly course, the marathon distance is four laps through the heart of Noosa, passing live music stages and packed streets along the way. Not ready for the full 42km? There's a half marathon and 10km as well.
Tip: Make the race an excuse to stick around for Noosa's best restaurants, and clock up a bit of beach time.
Brisbane Marathon Festival, Brisbane
Brisbane Marathon Festival, Brisbane. Photo by @brisbanemarathon
When: 1 June 2025
Turn your next Brisbane adventure into a challenge worth conquering at the Brisbane Marathon Festival. The course takes in the city's biggest icons, and you'll run passed (or over) South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge before a rockstar finish at Riverstage. Not just a race, it's a celebration of fun and fitness for all.
Tip: If you arrive in Brisbane early and want to get some training in before the big day, run up Mount Coot-tha and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the river city.
Great Whitehaven Beach Run, The Whitsundays
Great Whitehaven Beach Run, Whitsunday Island, The Whitsundays. Photo by @hamiltonislandenduranceseries
When: 22 June 2025
No shoes, no worries. The Great Whitehaven Beach Run, part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, is a race that'll take your breath away even before the start gun. This course is a little different: get ready to traverse down the famous, heat-resistant silica sands of Whitehaven Beach.
The event offers something from the littlest runners to the serious athletes, with a 500m fun run to the challenging 21km half marathon on nothing but sand.
Tip: This series is the epitome of race hard, recover harder. With the Great Barrier Reef, 74 Whitsunday islands, sand cays and stellar restaurants all at your fingertips, why not stay a while?
Gold Coast Marathon, Gold Coast
Gold Coast Marathon, Southport, Gold Coast. Photo by @gcmarathon
When: 5 - 6 July 2025
For more than 40 years, the flat and fast Gold Coast Marathon has attracted runners from across the globe chasing a new PB (with a massive 60% of runners doing so) along the stunning ocean-front course.
The event has transformed since its humble beginnings in 1978. More than 27,000 participants from over 50 countries make their way here to compete in one of the races, including the Gold Coast Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km or junior dash.
Use this guide to start planning.
Tip: For other ways to break a sweat while here, check out this fit traveller’s guide to the Gold Coast.
7 Cairns Marathon, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
When: 13 July 2025
Take in the best of Queensland's picturesque tropical north while you challenge yourself on this fast, flat, multi-loop course in 7 Cairns Marathon. The loop includes Cairns Esplanade, city streets, and an unforgettable run down the epic finish chute alongside Fogarty Park. All ages and abilities are welcome, so choose your preferred distance, lace up your shoes and head for that PB at the finish line.
Tip: Cool down post-run with a bracing dip at one of these local swimming holes and waterfalls.
Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, The Whitsundays
Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, The Whitsundays. Photo by @runairlie
When: 19 - 20 July 2025
From a one-kilometre family fun run through to a full marathon, every event on the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival program has something in common: breathtaking views of the ocean out to the paradise of the Whitsunday Islands.
Tip: One of the most spectacular destinations in the world, it's begging for you to stay a little longer to explore its incredible natural attractions, whether you're with family, friends, or flying solo.
McDonald's Townsville Running Festival, Townsville
When: 3 August 2025
You may know Townsville for its short-and-sharp goat tracks up Castle Hill. But the entire city becomes a running track for the McDonald's Townsville Running Festival.
More than just a marathon, this event offers races for all levels: a full marathon, half marathon, 10km fun run, 5km fun run, plus junior and corporate races.
Tip: After race day your muscles will love a soak, and there’s no greater pool than the Great Barrier Reef - here are the best ways to explore the reef from Townsville.
Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, Alexandra Headland, Sunshine Coast. Photo by @sunshinecoastmarathon
When: 3 August 2025
Whether you're challenging yourself in the blue ribbon Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Sunny Coast 10km, 5km Run or Walk or 2km family event, you'll be racing along a route that takes in glittering ocean and bright sandy stretches of the Alexandra Headland. The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is one of Australia's most-loved running festivals and has raised over $2 million for charity.
Tip: August is perfect timing not just for winter running, but for humpback whales to be in the area. Hit up Sunreef Mooloolaba for an incredible whale-watching or even swimming with whales experience.
Think you're capable of a bigger challenge? Here are 10 of the best triathlons in Queensland to test yourself.
Find your next challenge in Queensland
