Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia
The Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba draws about 8,000 finishers each August on a fast, flat coastal course along Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The route follows the Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba Beach esplanade with Pacific Ocean views. August dry winter weather and a flat beachfront profile make it one of Australia's fastest marathons.
Sunshine Coast Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Sunshine Coast Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 August 2026 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Sunshine Coast Marathon is an out-and-back coastal route starting and finishing at the Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba esplanade, following the road along Mooloolaba Beach and the Pacific Ocean waterfront. The sea-level miles are the easiest because the course stays very flat, while the tougher element is the turnaround and any onshore breeze on the return leg. Spectator support is strongest at Mooloolaba, along the Alexandra Headland esplanade, and at the turnaround where runners pass twice.
The Sunshine Coast Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Sunshine Coast Marathon uses open registration at sunshinecoastmarathon.com.au with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the August race in Queensland typically opens early in the year. With around 8,000 finishers, it is one of Australia's largest marathons and can sell out before race day.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Mooloolaba.
The Noosa Marathon attracts about 3,000 finishers each June along Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastal roads. The course passes Noosa National Park approaches, the Noosa River, and the Hastings Street resort area. June mild winter weather and a mix of coastal and hinterland scenery make it a popular Queensland destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Brisbane Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Brisbane, Australia. The course starts and finishes at South Bank Parklands. The route crosses the Story Bridge, passes the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and follows the Brisbane River. Mostly flat with a climb on the Story Bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Gold Coast Marathon draws approximately 6,500 finishers on a scenic coastal road in Gold Coast, Australia. The course starts and finishes at Southport Broadwater Parklands. Very flat and fast, with no significant hills.
Next race: Sunday, 4 July 2027
The Canberra Marathon is Australia's capital city marathon, drawing about 2,000 finishers each April around Lake Burley Griffin. The course passes Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the lake's scenic shores. April autumn weather in the bush capital and a flat lake loop make it the ACT's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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