The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival will mark its 13th year with a major course update with the introduction of a single-lap marathon. Designed to enhance the race day experience for runners, the change cements the event’s standing as one of Australia’s favourite marathon events.

Taking place on Sunday, 3 August 2025, the marathon will start and finish at Alexandra Headland and take runners along a predominantly flat, fast, coastal route through Twin Waters and Mudjimba, crossing the Sunshine Motorway Bridge twice for panoramic water views.

Atlas Events Managing Director, Jason Crowther, said the move to a single-lap course reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to its runners and the broader community.

"This course has been designed to offer an enjoyable and seamless experience for everyone, from elite athletes chasing fast times to first-time marathoners taking on a personal challenge," Crowther said.

"We understand what makes this event special, and this change ensures we continue delivering on that promise. Since launching in 2012, my vision has always been to create a single-lap course. Now, with the right numbers and the perfect route, we can finally bring that goal to life."

“We’ve created a course that showcases the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and meets the needs of today’s runners, focusing on comfort, flow, and a great race day atmosphere."

The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has become a cornerstone event for the region, attracting more than 12,000 participants in 2024 and generating significant economic benefits through tourism and community engagement.

The single-lap design enables greater capacity, paving the way for continued growth as the 2025 event expects to host up to 15,000 runners in another sell-out event.

The existing course records - 2:16:18 set by Japanese marathoner Saeki Makino in 2019 and 2:37:07 set by Olympian Milly Clark in 2024 - are expected to be under serious threat with the introduction of the new, faster course.

"I'm confident the new course will push our elite runners to new levels, not just for our event but for their own personal bests. We expect to see some of the country’s top distance athletes step up to challenge those record times,” Crowther said.

"There’s been a remarkable rise in participation in recent years and we’re proud to provide a course that reflects that growth and love for this sport. Whether you’re here to push your limits or soak up the supportive atmosphere, this is an event that has something for everyone."

In addition to enhancing the runner experience, the new course will hold international significance as an AIMS-certified course and a potential qualifier for World Marathon Majors, providing participants with the opportunity to achieve personal bests and global qualification standards.

The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has raised millions for local charities over the past 12 years across five different distances, while fostering a strong sense of community and inspiring thousands to achieve their running goals.

The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and by Sunshine Coast Council. The event helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy which aims to bring in $86 million of economic benefit to the region through visitation and local spend.

Hobart’s Eve Mure has claimed victory in the women’s marathon at the EVA Air Marathon in Taipei, delivering a standout performance in her third ever attempt over the distance.

Attendance at the race, held on Sunday, October 27, is part of Atlas Events’ ongoing sponsorship arrangement with Taiwan’s airline EVA Air.

EVA Air awarded flights and race entries to the top finishers of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Marathons, enabling Australian athletes to compete internationally, experience new race environments, and gain insights from world-class events.

More than 24,000 runners competed across four distances, starting at the Presidential Palace and finishing at Dahzi Bridge. Mure’s win continues a strong tradition of success for Australian athletes in Taipei, with Cassie Fien also claiming the women’s title in 2023.

Competing in only her third marathon, Mure finished in 2:57:38, maintaining a close battle with her nearest competitor throughout much of the race. Trading places on the bridge ramps, she pulled away in the final 10km to secure victory by more than three minutes.

Supported by her parents, Will and Jude Mure, who travelled from Hobart to watch the race and explore Taiwan for the first time, Mure described her international debut as both challenging and rewarding.

"The heat and humidity were, intense, but i felt well-prepared after my recent trip to Bali," she said.

“It was an amazing experience to race in such a vibrant city. The local support and regular aid stations were fantastic. I’m grateful to Atlas Events and EVA Air for making this possible."

Brisbane’s Matt Cooper, a former triathlete turned distance runner, finished seventh in the men’s marathon, also relished the chance to compete.

Cooper described it as one of his toughest races but was pleased in how he managed the heat and tactics of the other top runners who had travelled from throughout Asia to compete.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race somewhere new and challenging. Competing in Taipei allowed me to see how international events are organised and running a marathon is one of the best ways to see a city,” he said.

“I had a race plan but by 10km I knew it wasn't going to be a race judged by time. I had a good pack, and we picked off a few runners and at 20k I was in 10th. Then the sun came out and there was zero cloud cover.

“I switched down a few gears in the hope of kicking it down at 35k. But by 25k I knew it was about surviving and holding my goal of a top 10 finish. I was satisfied finishing in 9th, but then discovered 2 runners ahead had stepped off the course somewhere after the 20k turn and I was 7th overall. Honestly, just to finish in those conditions is what I’m most proud about.”

Atlas Events Managing Director Jason Crowther, who raced the event in 2023, commended both athletes for their outstanding performances.

"It’s fantastic to see our athletes not only compete but excel on the international stage. Our partnership with EVA Air has opened doors for our winners to explore new destinations and grow as athletes. We’re thrilled to have them represent Australia so strongly in such a competitive field," he said.

The 2024 edition marks the second time Atlas Events has sent Australian representatives to the EVA Air Marathon.

With a focus on fostering international opportunities for Australian runners, Atlas Events plans to send another strong contingent in 2025, thanks to the ongoing support of EVA Air.

About Atlas Events

Atlas Events hosts major running events across Australia, including the Brisbane Marathon, Sunshine Coast Marathon, Cairns Marathon and Hobart Marathon attracting thousands of participants each year. With a focus on community, health, and wellbeing, Atlas is dedicated to delivering exceptional events and unforgettable sporting experiences.

About EVA Air

EVA Air is a leading international airline, committed to supporting athletic events that promote cultural exchange, fitness, and global connection.

The 2024 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, held on Sunday, August 11, saw record-breaking participation with 12,000 runners taking to the scenic coastal course. Despite initial forecasts predicting rain, the day turned out to be perfect for running, with clear skies and ideal temperatures that contributed to an unforgettable event.

This year’s festival was a resounding success, raising over $200,000 for a range of charities and community groups, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and Wishlist Sunshine Coast. The event continues to grow in stature, attracting thousands of visitors to the region, which provided a significant economic boost to the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast Marathon had grown into one of our largest mass-participation sporting events.

“We are so pleased to sponsor an event that has such a fantastic global reputation and also supports our local community through its fundraising efforts,” Mayor Natoli said. “Congratulations must go to Atlas Events and the many local businesses and volunteers who supported this event.”

“The Sunshine Coast Marathon delivers a strong economic return for our region. “The estimated economic benefit this year is worth more than $7 million, with half of the participants coming from outside our region.

“Whatever the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic course looks like, our beautiful home will be broadcast around the globe, encouraging others to experience the Sunshine Coast for themselves.

“These opportunities strengthen our economy, now and in the future.”

The marathon saw standout performances, with Rob Collins clinching the men's title in a time of 2:27:51. Tasmanian Milly Clark set a new course record in the women’s marathon, finishing in a blistering time of 2:37:07, averaging 3:43min/km.

Reflecting on her victory, Clark said “I got my rhythm and found my legs and let the race atmosphere take over. It was really good seeing the number of runners out there, it’s incredible how big running is getting. I just love coming up here, I love running here in the warm. I’d like to thank EVA Air, all the volunteers, especially those at the drink stations, they did an awesome job and everyone who cheered; the crowd was just awesome.”

In the half marathon, which also had the added prestige of hosting the Queensland and Australian Half Marathon Championships, Liam Boudin crossed the line first in 1:03:40, while Olympian Lisa Weightman showcased her experience by winning the women’s half marathon in an impressive 1:10:23 over 3 minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

As the Sunshine Coast prepares to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Marathon, the Alexandra Headland location was buzzing with excitement. The event is pivotal in building momentum towards the games, with the marathon festival continuing to grow each year.

Event Director Jason Crowther reflected on the success of this year’s event and the exciting future ahead. “Transitioning to a one-lap marathon course in the next couple of years will be a crucial step in allowing the event to accommodate more participants while maintaining the unique experience that our runners love. This change will enable us to continue growing as we head towards the 2032 Games, further solidifying the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination for world-class events.”

The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

We’re happy to welcome back CLIF as an official event partner for the 2024 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon. Want to learn more about CLIF and how it can aid in performance? Read below.

What is a CLIF BAR?

CLIF BAR is the original energy bar that delivers an optimal blend of nutrition for sustained energy at times when your normal intake of energy and nutrients may not be enough. But even with all the goodness that goes into the bars, the most important ingredient is you.

Purposefully crafted with great-tasting wholesome, and sustainably sourced ingredients, CLIF BAR are made to help you turn passion into action. CLIF BARS are formulated to steadily increase blood sugar levels without creating a precipitous “sugar crash”.

For best results CLIF BARS should be eaten one to three hours before activity. During prolonged, lower intensity activity such as hiking or bike riding, CLIF BARS can be eaten during activity to help satiate hunger and meet carbohydrate demands. CLIF BARS can also be eaten after physical activity, as a snack between meals or during a long, busy day to help supplement energy and nutrients as required.

What are CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews?

CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews are semi-solid, easy to chew sources of carbohydrates – your body’s preferred source of fuel during activity.

Half a packet of CLIF BLOKS can be eaten 15 minutes prior to activity to increase blood sugar levels, followed by 1-2 packets per hour during activity. Consumption of CLIF BLOKS should always be followed with a mouthful of water.

CLIF BLOKS are primarily used by performance athletes such as cyclists, runners, mountain bikers, triathletes, adventure races etc. However, any performance-oriented athlete needing a quick burst of energy can benefit from CLIF BLOKS.

Stock up on Amazon or your local CLIF stockist today!

National sporting events company Atlas Events has entered into an exclusive naming rights partnership with award-winning international airline EVA Air for its flagship south east Queensland marathon events.

The strategic partnership, which runs until 2026, includes the Brisbane Marathon Festival and Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, both of which are on track for another sell-out year.

Atlas Events founder and managing director Jason Crowther highlighted several synergies between the two companies, including a shared commitment to fostering community engagement while promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

“EVA Air has proven itself to be a company that is passionate about connecting communities and promoting health and fitness with a track record of supporting major sporting events, including Taiwan’s second largest running festival,” Mr Crowther said.

“This alignment of values is crucial to Atlas and our mission to deliver accessible and inclusive community sporting events. Since we launched in 2012 as a single-event company, more than 60,000 people have joined us on the start line across our events nationally, improving their health, connecting socially and helping generate funds and awareness for important local causes along the way.”

Each Atlas event is aligned with charitable partners, allowing participants to leverage the occasions as a platform to raise funds for causes close to their hearts. Notably, the Sunshine Coast Marathon has contributed more than $2 million to support local charities and organisations since its establishment in 2012.

Mr Crowther said 2024 was already shaping up to be a bumper year for marathon events with a record number of participants forecast for the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast festivals in June and August respectively.

“There’s been a 40% increase in entries across all our running events in the past month and it’s not just Atlas, we’re also seeing competitor events selling out in record time, which shows that people are prioritising their health and wellbeing more than ever,” he said.

“The magic of a running event extends well beyond athletic performance. They connect people of all ages and abilities, foster a sense of community and social connectivity, and bring visitors to our incredible cities. That’s what makes EVA Air a great fit as they’ve long recognised the value in engaging with diverse communities through running.”

As the exclusive naming partner, EVA Air will bring its global expertise and innovative approach to enhance the overall experience for participants, spectators, and volunteers.

EVA Air's commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility also aligns with Atlas Events’ emphasis on promoting health and wellness while respecting the environment.

General Manager of EVA Air’s Australian branch, Nick Chen acknowledged the partnership with Atlas as one that would help promote their south east Queensland flights while contributing positively to the local community.

“We’ve been flying into Brisbane for 30 years and it’s a global city EVA Air has a great affinity with,” Mr Chen said.

“Our partnership with Atlas Events has been carefully considered. We support the EVA Air Marathon in Taipei and with 24,000 participants we’ve seen first-hand the power mass participation sporting events have on the local community, the health of participants and tourism.

"The Brisbane and Sunshine Coast marathons are renowned for their enjoyable and highly energetic nature. With professional organisation, they exude a contagious carnival atmosphere that is unmatched and unbeatable."

Sunshine Coast Events Board chair John Williams said the partnership was a huge win for the region.

“The long-term partnership with EVA Air presents an exciting opportunity to welcome more international visitors and in turn help boost economic benefits for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Williams said.

As one of Australia’s premium destinations for hosting and participating in sporting events, Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said events such as the Sunshine Coast Marathon showcased the region across Australia and internationally.

“With a new international aviation partner locked in, the Sunshine Coast Marathon will have the potential to spread its wings further afield,” Mr Stoeckel noted.

“Our international visitor numbers are progressively returning to 2019 levels, and with the Sunshine Coast selected to host events in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, increased exposure from hosting scenic events such as this will help introduce the region’s outstanding attractions to new audiences around the world.”

Brisbane City Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner acknowledged the city's premier running event, which attracted 7,500 runners in 2023 and is in its 32nd year, was a key feature in Brisbane’s impressive line-up of major events.

“When participants aren’t taking in sights of the city’s iconic Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs, they can enjoy our warm winter sunshine, community spirit, and some well-earned respite in our world-class hotels and restaurants,” he said.

“Events like this one are a big boost to local businesses, attracting visitors from Australia and beyond who fill our hotels, cafes and restaurants and support our local economy.”

Pictured: Mark Laforest – Atlas Events Director, Nick Chen – General Manager of EVA Air Australia, and Jason Crowther – Atlas Events Managing Director

About Atlas Events

Atlas Events manages large scale community sporting events that promote affordable opportunities for participants to take part in a healthy and active lifestyle. Founded in 2012 on the Sunshine Coast, Atlas runs events nationally. Each Atlas’ event supports the local community, businesses, tourism industries while raising funds for charities and local community groups. Their events promote a sense of healthy community within a relaxed, enjoyable and professional event environment.
https://myatlasevents.com.au

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 30 years and offering flights to and from the Queensland Capital three days per week, EVA Air serves a global network that connects Asia and Mainland China to Europe, North America and Oceania and links more than 60 major business and tourist destinations.

Atlas Events is delighted to announce that the EVA AIR Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, a flagship event that has been captivating runners and spectators since its inception in 2012, will once again host the esteemed Australian Half Marathon Championships in 2024. This exciting development reaffirms the festival's status as a premier running event in the region.

Scheduled for Sunday 11 August 2024, the EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival will welcome elite athletes from across the country to compete in the Championships, adding another exciting chapter to the event's history and cementing its reputation as a preferred venue for national competitions.

The inclusion of the Australian Half Marathon Championships again marks a significant milestone for the event, emphasizing its commitment to excellence in distance running and providing a platform for both seasoned and emerging athletes to showcase their talent on a national stage.

Jason Crowther, Managing Director of Atlas Events, expressed his enthusiasm for this ongoing partnership.

"We are honoured to once again host the Australian Half Marathon Championships as part of the EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival in 2024," he said.

"This continued collaboration highlights our dedication to fostering a vibrant and competitive running community and we look forward to welcoming elite athletes and running enthusiasts alike to experience our great event."

Athletics Australia Group General Manager – Delivery and Partnerships, Samantha Culbert, was also excited about the Championships returning to the Sunshine Coast.

"Queensland winter, the Sunshine Coast as a dream destination, a flat fast course and a community festival feel – what a perfect combination for a quality half marathon, and we are excited that this will include the Australian Half Marathon Championship again in 2024," she said.

"We can’t wait to see Australia’s best athletes line up to chase the National Title, and etch their name into the history books."

The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has consistently attracted participants from various corners of the globe, offering a picturesque course that winds through stunning coastal scenery, showcasing the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.

Participants can expect a well-organised and memorable event, with various race categories catering to runners of all levels, from the seasoned marathoner to the weekend warrior. The festival is not only a celebration of athleticism but also an opportunity for the community to come together.

For more information about the EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, please visit sunshinecoastmarathon.com.au.

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.