Gold Coast Airport Marathon

For the average runner this course is harder than you think. The heat came quickly (up to about 20 degrees Celsius) after the sunrise, and the last 5K's into a headwind was pretty savage. Although some of the scenery was spectacular---running alongside the beaches, some parts of the course were really narrow and that meant there was a fair bit of dodging other runners until the race thinned out in the second half. There were also really long stretches---several K's---of running in the same direction, which became quite monotonous (and tough when the winds sprang up). On the flipside, the crowds were energetic and fun. Overall, a solid marathon experience, but, if you are just a general runner, don't be fooled by talk of 'easy and fast'.

It was my 1st run out of Malaysia and I find it so much different from my local races in term of public support. The course was relatively flat and good if one intend to do a PB.

INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:18:45. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon was my forty-fifth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon. Temperature at the start line was 11C (52F). Starting in Southport, on one of the flattest courses we will ever see, we headed south on our first out and back. Our course, travelling through the communities of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Miami, and Burleigh Heads, was peppered with ocean views (when not blocked by the numerous high-rise condominiums) to our turnaround at 15.5 kilometers. Returning north on almost the exact same course heading out, we were afforded the same vistas as we were beginning to feel the effects of the sunny sky and warming temperature. Passing the start line just past kilometer 31, we continued heading north on our second out and back. We turned around at Runaway Bay (approximately kilometer 36.6) for our return to the finish line, not too far from where we started in Southport. Finish line temperature was approximately 21C (70F) with a cool breeze coming in from the southwest. ORGANIZATION: Well executed. Packet pickup at the Gold Convention and Exhibition Centre was efficient. Somewhat lengthy but eventful lunch featuring Australia's greatest was also held there. Beware of the chicken and salmon, however. SPECTATORS: Enthusiastic supporters for a marathon of this size. Three bands of note: a brass quintet playing at Surfers Paradise and a pair of steel drum ensembles. CONCLUSION: With over 5000 finishers, being the second largest marathon Down Under, and with a cutoff time of 6 hours, 40 minutes, this is the best Australian option for tortoises who wish to run the seven continents. Good on ya, mates!