Swim, ride, run: kid-friendly endurance events across Queensland

List

By Danielle Reckless

Forget cheering from the sidelines. Many young athletes are joining Mum and Dad on the track, in the ocean and on the sand to compete for their own glory and unwavering sense of achievement in kid-friendly endurance races.

If your kids are more participators than spectators, sign them up, grab your bibs and run to these top kid-friendly endurance events across Queensland.

Mooloolaba Triathlon, Sunshine Coast

Young boy runs along course of a triathlon — Mooloolaba Triathlon, Sunshine Coast

When: 8 - 9 March 2025

The lowdown: The Mooloolaba Triathlon has family written all over it. While those 15 years and older can compete in the Olympic distance race, younger competitors can sign up for the Superkidz Triathlon: a modified, age-appropriate course.

Use this guide to plan your participation in the Mooloolaba Triathlon.

After the race: Spot the animals at Sea Life Aquarium or stick around for a family beach escape.

Brisbane Marathon Festival, Brisbane

Young boys run off the starting line of a kids endurance race — Brisbane Marathon Festival, Brisbane. Photo by @brisbanemarathon

When: 1 June 2025

The lowdown: Brisbane’s city streets turn into a frenzy of festival activity as thousands of runners complete the Brisbane Marathon. Your kids can grab a race bib and take part in the 2km Mini Marathon – the course runs from Margaret Street to the City Botanic Gardens and is open to competitors aged four years and older. Runners under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times on the run.

Many of Brisbane Marathon Festival's other distances are open to younger runners, too: the 5km race is open to 7yrs+, 10km is for 11yrs+, and the half marathon can be tackled by teens 14yrs and older.

After the race: Cool down at South Bank’s beach or head out for a fun activity in the city.

Cairns IRONMAN, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

When: 14 June 2025

The lowdown: Held in one of Queensland’s most idyllic destinations, this heart-pumping weekend of endurance magic is just another reason to visit tropical Cairns. The biggest crowds turn out to watch the toughest athletes go head to head in the IRONMAN, but junior athletes will have their moment in the sun during IRONKIDS.

This safe and simple course will have kids aged 7-13 years swim in the Esplanade Lagoon, ride along the Esplanade main road, and run up The Boulevard, before experiencing that finish line feeling underneath the official IRONMAN Finishers Arch. Every kid gets a finisher's t-shirt and medal – everyone’s a winner.

Here's why you need to experience Cairns IRONMAN, even as a spectator.

After the race: Turn the race into a family holiday – here’s how to spend a week exploring Cairns and beyond.

Gold Coast Marathon, Gold Coast

Young boys run across the finish line of a kids running race — Gold Coast Marathon, Southport, Gold Coast. Photo by @gcmarathon

When: 5 – 6 July 2025

The lowdown: Fast, flat and ready for your PB, the Gold Coast Marathon is beloved for a good reason – and not just its stunning beachside course. While the main event – the full 42km marathon – is held on 6 July, arrive a day earlier to get your heart pumping on the other events. Families who want to run together should sign up for the 5km fun run, while the 2km Junior Dash is open for those 5-14 years.

Here's everything you need to know about the Gold Coast Marathon.

After the race: Race to your favourite theme park to spend the day hopping between thrill rides, waterslides and entertainment.

Coolangatta Gold, Gold Coast

When: TBC 2025

The lowdown: One of the most challenging endurance races on the Aussie calendar, the Coolangatta Gold is the place to really test your stamina. Held annually, it’s when serious competitors kick off the surf season – but the kids can get in on the action with their own race. The youth challenge, for kids 10-17 years offers a fun 1.8km sand run and optional board leg.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

After the race: Hit the beach or take a thrill ride with your teens.

Hamilton Island Triathlon, The Whitsundays

Spectators cheer on athletes as they run along the beach during a triathlon — Hamilton Island Triathlon, The Whitsundays

When: 15 November 2025

The lowdown: If you need another good reason to visit Hamilton Island, this is it. Part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, the Junior Hamilton Island Triathlon is an opportunity for the kids to get involved.

The Junior Triathlon offers three distances: a long race (250 swim/5km bike/2km run), mid-range (150m swim/3km bike/1km run) and a short race (50m swim/1km bike/500m run) as well as a Splash ‘n’ Dash version of each distance for kids not ready for the cycling component.

After the race: Here’s our secret to the best Hamilton Island getaway with kids. Plus, Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef are on your doorstep.

Noosa Summer Swim, Sunshine Coast

Young swimmers prepare for an open water race — Noosa Summer Swim, Noosa, Sunshine Coast

When: TBC 2026

The lowdown: Noosa’s golden beaches are inviting year-round, but the best time to take the plunge is when the Noosa Summer Swim, a World Series Swim event, arrives in town. Little ones and those new to open water swimming should enter the 300m Junior Giants race, while those more confident and competitive can take the challenge of the 1km (minimum 10 years old) or 2km and 3km ocean swims (minimum 12 years old).

Use this guide to Noosa Summer Swim to start planning.

After the race: Walk off those swim legs through Noosa National Park, or stay awhile using this Noosa family holiday itinerary for inspiration.