2023 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival Set to Break Records as Participants and Organisers Finalise Their Preparations

Excitement is building as the 2023 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival approaches, and this year promises to be an unforgettable event with a perfect blend of athletic excellence and historic milestones. With just a week left until the event kicks off, participants and spectators alike are gearing up for an action-packed and record-breaking extravaganza. The 2023 event coincides with the 9 years to go mark till the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The 2023 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is set to shatter previous records in terms of participant numbers. With registrations still pouring in, organisers are gearing up to welcome runners from all corners of the globe. The event has cemented its reputation as one of the most popular and sought-after marathon festivals in Australia, making it a truly international affair.

In 2023 the event once again plays host to the Australian Half Marathon Championships. This recognition is a testament to the event's impeccable organisation, world-class facilities, stunning coastal route, and most importantly, lightning-fast course. Elite athletes from across Australia are converging on the Sunshine Coast to compete for the Australian title and showcase their incredible talents.

With previous years witnessing exceptional times in the men's and women's 21.1km events, anticipation is high for even faster records this year. The combination of the breathtaking course and the exceptional skill of the athletes is expected to produce electrifying and super-fast times, thrilling spectators and inspiring runners to push their limits.

The 2023 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has also earned the prestigious World Label status from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This accolade places the event on the global map, attracting elite runners from around the world. The World Label recognition highlights the Sunshine Coast as a top-notch destination for marathon enthusiasts and reinforces the region's commitment to promoting athletics and healthy living.

Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the region was recognised as a leading outdoor events destination and a proud home to this long-running sports festival.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said, ‘As one of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast’s major events calendar, it is really inspiring to see more than 8,000 competitors racing along our coastline with thousands of spectators cheering them on along the course. Attracting new and returning athletes to this quality mass participation sporting event brings an expected $4m economic benefit for our region and showcases our stunning destination.’

‘We are thrilled to witness the tremendous growth and recognition of the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival,’ said Jason Crowther, Event Director of Atlas Events. ‘This event has become a hallmark of our region, attracting participants and visitors from all corners of Australia and the globe, showcasing the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and our commitment to supporting a healthy and active community. The recognition of the Sunshine Coast as the host for the 2032 Olympic Marathon further solidifies our reputation as a premier sporting destination. We extend our gratitude to the volunteers, and participants for making this event a true celebration of athleticism and unity.’

We extend a warm welcome to all participants and spectators and look forward to celebrating your athletic achievements, community spirit, and international runners’ camaraderie.’

The 2023 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is scheduled to take place on August 11-13. For further information, including event schedules, course maps, and registration details, please visit the official website at https://sunshinecoastmarathon.com.au/

The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival Achieves ‘World Athletics Label’ Status

We are excited to announce that the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has achieved ‘World Athletics Label’ Status and is announced as host of the ‘Australian Half Marathon Road Championships’. Fast becoming Australia's PB Playground for Half Marathon Runners in one of the country's fastest growing running festivals.

The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, one of Australia's fastest growing running festivals, has been awarded the prestigious ‘World Athletics Label Status’ by World Athletics in 2023. The festival will also be hosting the ‘Australian Half Marathon Road Championships’, making it a must-visit destination for runners globally looking to set new personal bests in the half-marathon distance.

The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, organised by Atlas Events, has experienced exponential growth in recent years, becoming one of the most anticipated running events in the country. With its picturesque coastal course and temperate running conditions in the month of August, the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has attracted participants from all over the world who are eager to challenge themselves and experience the excitement of a world-class marathon event in one of Australia’s most desirable destinations.

The recent achievement of ‘World Athletics Label Status’ is a testament to the event's commitment to excellence in organisation, course design, and participant experience. It places the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival among the elite ranks of international marathons, with only a handful of races in Australia attaining this distinction. This recognition further solidifies the event's reputation as a premier destination for runners seeking a high-quality race experience.

In addition to the ‘World Athletics Label Status’, the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival will also be hosting the ‘Australian Half Marathon Road Championships’, adding another layer of excitement and competitiveness to the event. Elite runners, as well as recreational runners, will have the opportunity to test their skills against the best in the country on the festival's fast and flat course, which has become known as Australia's PB playground in the half marathon distance.

"We are incredibly proud to achieve ‘World Athletics Label Status’ and to host the Australian Half Marathon Road Championships as part of the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival," said Jason Crowther, Event Director of The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival. "Our event has seen remarkable growth over the years, and we are committed to providing an exceptional experience for every participant, whether they are chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners. The combination of our fast and scenic course, world-class organisation, and the opportunity to compete in the Australian Championships makes the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival an event not to be missed for any runner."

Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Cr Jason O’Pray said, “it was marvellous to see the Sunshine Coast on the list amongst Madrid, Singapore, Boston, Dublin, London and Tokyo to name just a few other places with this special label.

And to be one of only three Australian events to receive the label shows Atlas Events continues to deliver a world class event on our beautiful Sunshine Coast, a great attraction for elite athletes from all over the world to experience.”

The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is scheduled to take place on 12-13 of August in 2023, and registration for the event is now open. Runners of all levels and abilities are invited to join the festival and be a part of this exciting and prestigious event. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a recreational runner, the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, achieve your personal best, and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Sunshine Coast region.

EVENT PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT - EVA Air

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between EVA Air and the Brisbane Marathon and Sunshine Coast Marathon Festivals. As a global airline that prioritises the comfort and convenience of its travellers, EVA Air is a perfect match for two of Queensland's fastest growing Marathon Festivals.

EVA Air operates 4 weekly flights direct between Brisbane and Taipei. General Manager of EVA Air’s Australian branch, Victor Hsiao is delighted with the partnership saying “EVA Air is excited to be the Official International Airline Partner of the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival’s for 2023”.

“We believe this partnership can deliver success and build a closer relationship with the Brisbane & Taipei running communities.”

EVA Air will become the 'Official International Airline Partner' of both events. The two events are poised to capitalise on the partnership that promotes the best of beautiful Brisbane city and the Sunshine Coast, two of the world's favourite holiday destinations.

The Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Marathon Festivals are supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

As part of the partnership, the EVA Air Marathon in Taipei, Taiwan will work to complement the Brisbane & Sunshine Coast Marathons, providing runners with the opportunity to participate in world-class races in three amazing destinations.

With EVA Air's direct flights from Brisbane to Taiwan, it's easier than ever to travel and run your way around the world said Jason Crowther, Atlas Events Director. We are confident that this partnership will bring new opportunities and experiences to all of our runners, and we can't wait to see EVA Air traveller’s race in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast , Taipei and enjoy these amazing running experiences.

ABOUT EVA AIR

EVA Air, Taiwan’s leading independent airline, was formed in 1989 and is a Star Alliance member. EVA Air is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line.

Over more than 30 years of operating international passenger and airfreight flights, EVA has earned a reputation for excellence in its services and safety practices.

Serving Brisbane for almost 30 years and offering flights to and from the Queensland Capital 4 days per week.  EVA Air flies to more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe.

For more information visit www.evaair.com, or contact EVA Air Australia branch on +617 3860-5555.

To celebrate the partnership, participants at the Brisbane Marathon & Sunshine Coast Marathon will automatically go in the running to win Flights and race entry to compete in the 2023 EVA Air Marathon.

 

EVENT PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT - SIXT!

2023 has brought a number of new partnerships one we are particularly excited about is a new partnership between Sixt, a leader in the car rental industry, and Atlas Events, owners of the Hobart, Brisbane, Cairns & Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival's. This partnership promises to bring many benefits to those travelling to each of the Atlas Events organised races and in need of car hire services.
Sixt will offer Atlas Events' customers access to a wide range of high-quality rental vehicles at unbeatable prices. From compact cars to luxury vehicles, the Sixt fleet of vehicles can accommodate every customer's specific needs. Additionally, their simple booking process and round-the-clock customer support ensures a smooth rental experience for all. This partnership will also unlock exclusive benefits for participants of Atlas Events, stay tuned for more information.
The partnership will also provide Atlas Events with reliable and high-quality transportation vehicles for all their event requirements, freeing up time to focus on producing the best event possible.
We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership brings and look forward to offering exceptional experiences for all those travelling to races and in need of car hire services. Sixt and Atlas will deliver high-quality and reliable car rental services and an enhanced race experience.

EVENT PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT - SEA & MIX FM

The Sunshine Coast Marathon and Sea & Mix FM are two of the leading organisations in the Sunshine Coast community, with a long history of supporting and promoting local initiatives. 

The Sunshine Coast Marathon has been the Coast's favourite community sporting event for over a decade, providing an opportunity for individuals to challenge themselves and come together as a community. 

Sea & Mix FM has been a trusted source of local news, entertainment and music for years, connecting people and fostering a sense of community through its broadcasts.

With their shared commitment to the local community, this partnership is a natural fit. The Sunshine Coast Marathon will provide a platform for locals to challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements, while Sea & Mix FM will be the official radio media partner, amplifying the message and providing local coverage in the lead up to and over the entire event weekend. This partnership will bring together two of the Sunshine Coast's most loved organisations, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the community and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

Jason Crowther, Event Director of The Sunshine Coast Marathon said "I am thrilled for the event to be signing a multi-year partnership with the Coasts most listened to broadcaster and I'm excited to launch a few initiatives with Sea & Mix FM at this years event that are all about supporting this fantastic community we have on the Sunny Coast." 

The partnership will begin in 2023 and sees Sea & Mix FM as radio media partner through to the 2025 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival.

2023 ENTRIES OFFICIALLY OPEN

Fast. Flat. Scenic and PB worthy.

Entries for the 2023 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival are officially open. 

If you've experienced the Sunny Coast Marathon Festival before, you've likely got your clock set to run it again in 2023. If you haven't experienced being a part of the festival before then this is your opportunity to make 2023 a big deal,

There are five curated race distances to choose from. You can go for the challenging blue ribbon Full Marathon (42.2km) our certified PB breaking Half Marathon (21.1km) or the Sunny Coast 10km. Our 5km Run or 5km Walk & the 2km Mini Marathoner events provide a great starting point for all ages and abilities.

Whether you're planning on joining the 5km walk or going the distance in the full marathon, lace up, grab a friend and get that finish line feeling in 2023.

 

Event Feedback

"Love this event for the community every year, amazing job done by the whole team! Bring on the next one!" - Jodi

 

"Thank you so much for a day filled with fun and pride. Amazing job organizing and fantastic work all the volunteers put in!" - Katrin

 

"Thank-you to all of the wonderful volunteers, especially on the hydration stations! Every single one of them in good cheer the whole route." - Emma

 

"Thanks for a great event organisers, your selfless assistance volunteers, Pat’s positive updates on the mic and the great crowd support. Always a fun event." - Christine

 

"Big thanks to everyone who made it happen with a special mention to all the strangers helping everyone over the line with your encouragement." - Lou

 

"Really great atmosphere. Beautiful course." - Francois

 

"Such a great event on the Sunshine Coast! many goosebump moments during the day...so proud to support this amazing event." - Sue

 

"Thank you so much to the organisers and all the fantastic volunteers who made it such an awesome day!" - Amanada

 

"Fantastic day despite the heat the volunteers did an amazing job at keeping us all hydrated and cooled down with hoses and buckets of water. Highly commended under difficult circumstances. My first marathon and one I will remember as a positive experience." - Tami

 

"Thanks to all the organisers, sponsors and especially those fantastic volunteers who made my first ever marathon experience such a wonderful time." - Stephen

 

"Well done on another top Sunshine Coast Marathon. Bring on 2022!" - Pat

 

"What a day and thanks for putting on an epic event with great volunteers" - Shara

 

"Thanks for an incredible day guys! We truly appreciate all the hard work that goes into these events, especially during covid!" - Pen

 

"The Mooloolaba State School Team had the BEST day! We will be back again in 2022!" - Ange

 

"I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful weekend we all had at Sunshine Coast. Everything went well, the volunteers were great, and it was all very well organised." -  Peter