Training starts now: the best of Queensland’s endurance event season 2025

• The Challenge: Turn up your gentle front crawl in Noosa’s turquoise waters at Noosa Summer Swim Festival. This ocean swim race has something for all abilities, including 300 metres, 1km, 2km, 3km and 5km distances. There are even junior events for the kids.
• How to reward yourself: Live like a local in Noosa for a long weekend, then escape into the hinterland to discover country towns, luxurious farm stays and farm-to-table delights.

Learn more: Dive into the 2025 Noosa Summer Swim Festival

Noosa Ultra-Trail | Sunshine Coast

When: 22 March 2025 | Entries are now open.

• The Challenge: Breathe in that crisp, clean Noosa hinterland in one of Australia’s most scenic and challenging ultra-trail events – the Noosa Ultra-Trail. As Queensland's largest trail run and active lifestyle festival, you’re spoilt for choice with six trail runs from 15-100 kilometres.
• How to reward yourself: Wind down at the event’s famous 'Sunday Shakedown' on Noosa's Main Beach or soothe tired muscles at one of the Sunshine Coast’s magical day spas.

Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon (Luke Harrop Memorial) | Gold Coast

When: 6 April 2025

• The Challenge: A thrilling triathlon experience on the Gold Coast, tackle a swim, coastal bike ride, and scenic run, set in the spectacular Broadwater Parklands. Bring the whole family; this year’s event even features a kid's tri.
• How to reward yourself: Spend the day exploring Surfers Paradise or treat yourself to a beachfront brunch.

Mooloolaba Triathlon | Sunshine Coast

When: 8 – 9 March 2025 | Entries are now open

• The Challenge: Conquer the ultimate trifecta—a swim in the Pacific Ocean, a fast bike course, and a scenic run—against the backdrop of the resplendent Sunshine Coast in this challenging triathlon. Not quite ready for the Olympic distances? Try the Sprint Tri or the teams' relay race. ​There are junior races and the Special Tri, too.
• How to reward yourself: Dining in Mooloolaba is continuing an upward spiral, driven by local seafood and access to the nearby food bowl of the Hinterland. Check out our top picks from the Sunshine Coast, and stay a little longer with this guide to Mooloolaba.

Hell of the West Weekend | Queensland Country

When: 22 – 23 March 2025 | Entries are now open.

• The Challenge: The name says it all. Tackle one of Australia’s toughest triathlons; a 2km swim in the mighty Macintyre River, an 80km “dead flat” cycle along the Barwon Highway and a 20km run along the river. If you're not ready to go the full distance, there are 5km and 10km Gundy Inferno Charity Runs instead. Check out this guide for how to make the most of your weekend there.
• How to reward yourself: Check out incredible silo art nearby in Yelarbon - or hightail it to Stanthorpe to refuel on the Granite Belt's bounty of food and wine. The spoils are endless in this neck of the woods.

Learn more: Hell of the West Weekend: Your guide to Queensland's toughest triathlon

Brisbane Cycling Festival | Brisbane

When: 21 March - 13 April 2025 | Entries are now open.

• The Challenge: From professional races to community rides, there's something for every rider at the Brisbane Cycling Festival. This year's hub and Active Lifestyle Expo has a new home at Southbank Parklands and brings the Tour de Brisbane, AusCycling Track National Championships, bustling Festival Village, and Oceania Cycling Championships to the heart of the city.
• How to reward yourself: Replenish yourself afterwards at Brisbane's best restaurants. 

Von Bibra Gold Coast Running Festival | Gold Coast

When: 27 April 2025

• The Challenge: Lace up your trainers for the most fun, family-friendly event on the calendar. The Gold Coast Running Festival is a celebration for all abilities, so bring the kids, your group of friends or colleagues and get in on the action. There's a half marathon, 10km, 5km, 2.5km and 1km. Walk, run, and have a good time.
• How to reward yourself: Enjoy some family fun at the theme parks or unwind at the beach.
  

Hamilton Island Endurance Series: Hilly Half Marathon | The Whitsundays

When: 4 May 2025

• The Challenge: For a combination of beauty and challenge, this iconic island race follows a rugged, roughly 23km route with a mix of uphill and downhill sections. You can enter this iconic event either as an individual competitor or as part of a team.
• How to reward yourself: Taste test a poolside Pina Colada at each resort on Hamilton Island.

Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival | Brisbane

When: 17 – 18 May 2025 | Entries are now open.

• The Challenge: Surf, sand, road and dirt combine in nature’s ultimate playground for Straddie Salute. The original off-road event takes participants through a 750m ocean swim from Home Beach, followed by an 18km cycle across both sealed roads and 4WD trails, and an 8.5km run featuring a mix of coastal trails around Point Lookout.
• How to reward yourself: Soak up the island vibes with this local guide to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

Runaway Noosa Marathon | Sunshine Coast

When: 24 May 2025 | Tickets now available

• The Challenge: The freshest marathon on the Australian running scene, Runaway Noosa Marathon is a flat and fast course that winds alongside the picturesque Noosa River. If you’re not up for a full marathon just yet, there’s also the option of a half marathon and 10km race.
• What you need: Runners, gels, a great playlist, and the determination to beat your personal best.
• How to reward yourself: After slogging through 42.2km, unwind with a swim at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful beaches.

Hamilton Island Endurance Series: Great Whitehaven Beach Run | The Whitsundays

When: 22 June 2025

• The Challenge: Sinking your toes into the silica sands of famous Whitehaven Beach is on the bucket list for many travellers. But you can do things a little differently in paradise on the Great Whitehaven Beach Run, part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series. An unforgettable way to experience the beach, there are five distance events to choose from, from a challenging 21-kilometre half marathon to shorter 10km, 5km and kid's races.
• How to reward yourself: Stick around and soak up the best of island life in The Whitsundays.

Eva Air Brisbane Marathon Festival | Brisbane

When: 1 June 2025 | Super Early Bird entries are now on sale.

• The Challenge: A true test of human endurance, experience the heart of Brisbane on foot, Brisbane Marathon takes in some of the best spots in the River City. You can of course take your pick of less demanding races in the marathon festival such as a half marathon, a 10 km run, a 5 km run/walk and a children's 1 km 'mini marathon'.
• How to reward yourself: By diving into Brisbane’s thriving food scene.

Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championships | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

When: 15 June 2025 | Entries are now open.

• The Challenge: The true IRONMAN is a beast. Think 3.8km swim, 180km bike and then a full 42.2km marathon. All in one day. All in under 10 hours for some of the best in the sport. Not to mention the whole racetrack is stunning, nestled between World Heritage wonders.
• How to reward yourself: Escape to one of these Great Barrier Reef island resorts to recover. 

Learn more: 7 reasons why Cairns IRONMAN is the most beautiful triathlon on the planet

ASICS Gold Coast Marathon | Gold Coast

When: 5 – 6 July 2025 | Tickets on sale

• The Challenge: Test your mettle at Australia’s iconic Gold Coast Marathon, a scenic course along the stunning Gold Coast beaches. Perfect for marathon veterans and first-timers alike. Join 26,000 runners of all ages and abilities in a bid to complete Australia’s iconic Gold Coast Marathon. Held over two days, the marathon is the premier event, but you can’t go past the wheelchair marathon for sheer excitement and inspiration.
• Other events include 2km and 4km Junior Dashes, a 5km and 10km fun run, and a 10km wheelchair race.
• How to reward yourself: Celebrate your achievement beachside, or tick off all the best things to do on the Gold Coast while there for the marathon.

7 Cairns Marathon | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

When: 13 July 2025 | Entries are now open.

• The Challenge: Now in its sixth year, each race in the 7 Cairns Marathon takes in the best views Cairns has to offer. Event distances include the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km.  Enjoy the on-course and post-race entertainment in Fogarty Park to enhance your event experience.
• How to reward yourself: You may as well explore the Great Barrier Reef while you’re here. Take your pick from this list of unforgettable things to do.

McDonalds Townsville Running Festival | Townsville

When: 3 August 2025

• The Challenge: As Queensland’s largest regional marathon, the Townsville Running Festival is no slouch on the Queensland sporting event stage. Set against the backdrop of Magnetic Island, the coral sea, and the iconic granite of Castle Hill, choose your distance and immerse yourself in the festival spirit.
• How to reward yourself: Head out for a well-deserved celebratory meal at one of Townsville’s vibrant restaurants.

EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon | Sunshine Coast

When: 31 July - 3 August 2025 | Entries open

• The Challenge: Whether you consider yourself a hardcore athlete, an occasional runner, or you just want to challenge yourself, the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has an event for you. Choose between the full marathon (42 km), the half marathon (21 km), the 10km run, the 5km walk and 2km family dash, which will see you take in the pristine coastline of Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland.
• How to reward yourself: Cool off post-run with a swim at one of Sunshine Coast’s best beaches.

The Coolangatta Gold | Gold Coast

When: TBC October 2025

• The Challenge: One of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports, the Coolangatta Gold tempts water fiends across the country to fine-tune their multi-disciplinary techniques so they can swim, run, paddle board and surf ski to salty glory in either the 21km Short Course or 41.8km Long Course.
• How to reward yourself: Swap the adrenaline for a slower pace and secret beaches with this 48-hour Coolangatta itinerary.

Learn more: Your guide to the Coolangatta Gold

Noosa Triathlon | Sunshine Coast

When: 29 October – 2 November 2025

• The Challenge: Featuring a swim in Laguna Bay, a cycle through Noosa’s hinterland, and a run along the waterfront, the iconic Noosa Triathlon is not only the largest triathlon in Australia but also the world's largest Olympic distance tri and the biggest multi-sports festival in the Southern Hemisphere. There's plenty more than just the triathlon to get you excited: there's a run/swim/run race, Breakfast Fun Run, Tour de Noosa, Ocean Swim, kids' tri and Special Tri to keep the action going.
• How to reward yourself: A recovery stroll through the Noosa National Park then a well-deserved meal at one of Noosa’s renowned restaurants.

Learn more: Your guide to the Noosa Triathlon

Hamilton Island Endurance Series: Hamilton Island Ocean Swim | The Whitsundays

When: 16 November 2025

• The Challenge: If you’re going to do an ocean swim, you might as well depart from one of the best beaches in the world. Located on beautiful Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island, the annual event includes a 2-kilometre, 750-metre 750 Anything Goes and a 350-metre junior swim meet.
• How to reward yourself: Stay a little longer. That’s it. You’re in The Whitsundays, you’re already rewarding yourself.

If that’s not enough to keep you busy, explore more of Queensland’s top sporting events.