Celebrating 45 Years of Personal Bests, Runcations, and Unforgettable Moments
The Gold Coast Marathon has long been a favorite among runners worldwide, and 2025 promises to be an exceptional edition of this iconic race.
With its 45th anniversary on the horizon, this year’s event has already made history by selling out its full and half marathons in record time.
As the excitement builds, we turn to "Fit Talk"—a podcast hosted by Chermaine Zhou and Haw Jiaxuan—to hear from two incredible runners: April Cheong, who is attempting the grueling 63.3 Gold Coast Double Challenge, and Doris Teo, who is joining the prestigious Gold Coast Marathon Legends Club with her tenth year running in the race.
The Allure of the Gold Coast Marathon
The Gold Coast Marathon is renowned for its flat course, breathtaking coastal views, and supportive running atmosphere. For many, it is the perfect place to chase a personal best (PB), as Jiaxuan highlighted in the podcast: “60 percent of participants achieve their PBs.”
Doris Teo, who first participated in 2012, was drawn in by a talk from Tourism and Events Queensland that showcased the race’s incredible conditions. That very year, she achieved her PB, an accomplishment that motivated her to return almost every year since.
For April Cheong, the decision to take on the Gold Coast Marathon was an easy one. “Everyone who wishes to run a marathon (in Singapore) will go to the Gold Coast,” she said.
Having completed the virtual 63.3km challenge twice during the pandemic, April is now set to test herself in the physical edition of the challenge. “I was attracted by the special medal they have for the 63.3 challenge—bling bling!” she joked, proving that even the toughest runners appreciate a bit of sparkle.
A Sold-Out Celebration
The demand for the 2025 Gold Coast Marathon has been nothing short of phenomenal. The half marathon sold out on the first day, and the full marathon followed within four days.
To accommodate the overwhelming interest, organisers increased the race capacity, even restructuring the schedule to make Sunday a standalone marathon day. This only underscores the event’s prestige and appeal among global runners.
Chermaine, who has previously completed the Gold Coast half marathon, is looking forward to tackling the full distance this year after completing her first overseas marathon in 2024. “I am really looking forward to the full marathon course as I’ve only done the half,” she shared, echoing the enthusiasm that so many runners feel about this bucket-list race.
More Than Just a Race—A "Runcation"
For many runners, the Gold Coast Marathon is not just a race but an experience—what some call a "runcation."
April and Doris spoke about their plans to explore the Gold Coast beyond the marathon. From visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to shopping at Harbour Town, and even relaxing at Surfers Paradise, they are making the most of their time in this stunning Australian destination.
Chermaine and Jiaxuan also reminisced about past adventures, recommending must-visit spots like Miami Marketta for delicious local delights, the thrilling Skypoint Climb, and the laid-back beaches perfect for post-race recovery. “It’s quite laid-back, so it’s really nice to just sit by the beach and chill there for a few hours,” Jiaxuan added.
An Unforgettable 45th Anniversary
As the Gold Coast Marathon celebrates 45 years of racing excellence, this year’s event promises to be one for the books. Whether it's a seasoned runner like Doris, a determined challenger like April, or first-time marathoners like Chermaine, the race holds a special place in the hearts of those who take part.
With its perfect running conditions, electrifying atmosphere, and the promise of adventure beyond the racecourse, the Gold Coast Marathon 2025 is set to be an unforgettable experience. If you were lucky enough to secure a spot, get ready for the race of a lifetime!