Gold Coast Marathon Race Report – Michael F

Race: Gold Coast Marathon

Runner: Michael F

Race Date: 07/07/2019

Location: Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

Results: 3:58.22

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Early start.
  2. Running next to the ocean.
  3. Male urinals next to start for quick in and out.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  • Still crowded at mile 15.
  • Out and back from start to the south 10 and then out and back from near the start to the north 3.
  • Post race. The only post race supplements that I saw were oranges, bananas, and water. Then you were outside with vendors selling food.
  • I also asked if there was anyplace to take a post race shower. I was asked if I bought the Gold Pass. Gold pass equal shower. No I did not but I did bring a large towelette.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Nothing really

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Completing under four with only 3 months training and still nursing a weak left knee most of the training.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

  • Flat course – crowded.
  • Be ready for humidity.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Went with a new nutrition intake plan that worked well. No GI issues after the race. Very happy about that.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

I selected this marathon because I thought it would be the coolest temperature race in Australia. Around 10am be ready for the sun to start beating on you.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Close enough to water you could hear ocean and see waves crash.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No not at all. Just weather dependent.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes pretty crowded. I was with people until about 21.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I stayed in Brisbane thinking I could save money vs staying in the Gold Coast thinking I would take the train and transfer to tram. The train did not run at 5am, so I ended up taking an Uber. The train tram combo took 2 hrs to get back to Brisbane.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare. There were plenty of water stations at the end of the race. Helpful. 2 misting stations in last 5 miles. And some nice kids handing out cold handi-wipes.

Weather and typical race conditions

About 61 degrees. Raining at the start while waiting for gun to go. Cloudy and high rises blocked sun till about 10.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Sun screen and visor.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

My family stayed in Brisbane. However, the G trams in Gold Coast, were running free so it would be possible to get up and down the course taking the tram.

How’s the Swag?

T-shirt you got at end, string backpack, and a hand towel. Typical. Nothing over the top.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 out of 5. Yes I would recommend it’s a good time of year to travel if you have kids.