Sunshine Coast Marathon 2026: Your Last-Minute Race Guide

Sunshine Coast Marathon 2026 guide: practical event information and the official details to check when organising your race weekend.

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Quick answer: The 2026 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival takes place at Alexandra Headland on Sunday, 2 August, with a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km run, 5km walk and 2km mini marathon. The marathon starts at 6:00am and uses the fast coastal single-lap format introduced in 2025.

Two sleeps. One spectacular strip of Queensland coastline. And several thousand pairs of legs quietly asking whether carb-loading can legally include another lamington.

The 2026 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival arrives this Sunday with a full menu of distances and a race precinct at Buhk Family Park, Alexandra Headland. For marathoners it is a serious chance to chase a fast time; for families and newer runners, the shorter events make the weekend far more welcoming than its 42.195km headline suggests.

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Sunshine Coast Marathon 2026: 2026 Sunshine Coast Marathon: key details

Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
Event precinct: Buhk Family Park, Alexandra Headland, Queensland
Distances: marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km run, 5km walk and 2km mini marathon
Marathon start: 6:00am; wheelchair marathon at 5:57am
Half-marathon start: 7:15am
10km start: 9:00am
5km start: 10:15am
2km start: 11:00am
Official information: Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival

Why the 2025 race still matters

Last year gave this event a new shape—and several new records. The marathon moved to a single-lap coastal course starting and finishing at Alexandra Headland. Official event records list Ryan Gregson’s 2:14:05 and Sarah Short’s 2:41:12 as the men’s and women’s single-lap marathon benchmarks from 2025. Andy Buchanan also lowered the half-marathon record to 1:02:13.

The day’s most memorable story belonged to wheelchair marathoner Geoff Trappett. According to the organiser, his seat broke away from the frame around 10km. A lead cyclist found a local resident willing to hand over a wire coat hanger; the improvised repair helped Trappett continue and establish a 2:22:22 single-lap wheelchair marathon record. It is difficult to imagine a more Australian race-day combination of speed, community spirit and emergency shed engineering.

What is new and important for 2026?

The single-lap marathon returns, taking runners along the coast through areas including Twin Waters and Mudjimba. The field is chasing equal prize money across the men’s and women’s marathon, half-marathon and 10km races, plus time-based incentives for overall winners.

Race-week activity extends beyond the start gun. Registration and the expo continue on Friday and Saturday, with yoga sessions and an elite Q&A forming part of the program. Online and late entries depend on availability; the official site currently indicates the 10km is sold out, while final places may remain in some shorter events. Check the organiser immediately rather than relying on an old social post or a hopeful friend with a screenshot.

Which distance suits you?

Marathon

Best for prepared runners who have completed an appropriate training block and can manage the official 6-hour-20-minute cut-off. The coastal layout and AIMS-certified distance make it attractive to runners chasing personal bests or qualifying standards, but a flat profile is not permission to begin too fast.

Half marathon

A strong option for experienced 10km runners stepping up, marathoners seeking a hard supported effort, or athletes who want the festival atmosphere without the final 21.1km negotiation with their quadriceps.

10km, 5km and 2km

The shorter races broaden the weekend considerably. The 5km run and walk welcome a wider mix of speeds, while the mini marathon gives younger runners a finish-line moment of their own. Minimum ages and pram rules vary by distance, so confirm the current conditions on the official entry page.

Race-morning strategy

Arrive early: the marathon’s recommended arrival is 5:00am, an hour before the 6:00am start.
Plan transport: road closures affect the coastal precinct. The organiser offers Park N Ride shuttle options and supervised bicycle/scooter parking, subject to booking and availability.
Respect the temperature: cool early conditions can warm after sunrise. Pace and hydration should reflect actual race-day weather, not last week’s forecast.
Use the first kilometres wisely: coastal speed can be seductive. A controlled opening is cheaper than borrowing minutes from the final 10km at terrible interest.
Check your watch: charge it, select the correct sport profile, disable unnecessary battery drains and make sure auto-lap settings match your plan.

Health note: running events can involve significant physical stress. Consult a qualified health practitioner before beginning strenuous training, returning after illness or injury, or making major nutrition or supplement changes—especially if you have symptoms, a medical condition or concerns about readiness.

For spectators

The beachside setting makes this one of the easier marathon weekends to enjoy without running a step. The official event precinct is the logical base for information, toilets, baggage services and the expo, while organiser guidance identifies dedicated spectator vantage points. Check road closures before choosing a cheering location; the perfect homemade sign is less effective from the wrong side of a closed bridge.

Charles’ final kilometre

The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival works because it can be several events at once: an elite race, a personal-best course, a family morning and a coastal celebration. The 2025 records proved the new single-lap format can be genuinely quick. The coat-hanger rescue proved the weekend’s heart may be even stronger than its finish times.

If you are racing Sunday, the hard work is done. Check the official updates, organise transport, charge the watch—and let the coast do the decorating.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 Sunshine Coast Marathon?

Sunday, 2 August 2026. The marathon starts at 6:00am from the Alexandra Headland event area.

What distances are available?

The festival includes a 42.195km marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km run, 5km walk and 2km mini marathon.

Is the course suitable for a personal best?

The marathon uses a predominantly flat coastal single-lap course and the official site states that it is AIMS certified. Weather, pacing, preparation and race-day conditions still matter.

Can I enter at the last minute?

Only if places remain. The organiser states that late entries are subject to availability, with some distances already sold out. Use the official event website for the live status.

Sources checked 31 July 2026: official event schedule, official results and records, official transport information, and the organiser’s 2025 race story. Event details can change; confirm directly with the organiser before travelling or racing.