Run along Australia’s beautiful coastline and thrill your senses. Sunshine Coast, a 42.195km dream
The Sunshine Coast Marathon is the pinnacle of urban marathons, held against the backdrop of one of Australia’s most beautiful coastlines. Held every year in early August, it is a spectacular 42.195km journey starting from the lively Mooloolaba Esplanade and touring beautiful beach towns such as Caloundra and Alexandra Headland.
The flat course, with its gentle sea breeze, is ideal for runners aiming for a personal best. The warm cheers of the spectators lining the course give the runners a powerful push.
An unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment await, as if the entire Sunshine Coast is united in cheering you on.
Sunshine Coast Marathon: A 42.195km journey that stirs the senses
The Sunshine Coast Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure along Australia’s sun-drenched, beautiful coastline. Push your limits and write your story with runners from all over the world in this place watched over by the cobalt blue ocean and white sandy beaches.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins at Mooloolaba Esplanade in Mooloolaba. Runners lining up at the starting line early in the morning are treated to breathtaking views of the calm ocean and the beautiful coastline lined with palm trees. The almost flat course layout will be an excellent start for runners aiming for a personal best.
Sights along the way
The Sunshine Coast Marathon course attracts runners with its diverse scenery and enthusiastic cheering.
・Mooloolaba：Mooloolaba, the start and finish point of the race, is a vibrant beach town. The flat road along the Esplanade is ideal for finding your pace in the early stages.
・Alexandra Headland：You will head north from Mooloolaba and pass through Alexandra Headland. From this area, you will have a panoramic view of the vast ocean, which will soothe the runners’ minds.
・Maroochydore and the Causeway：In the middle of the race, you will pass through Maroochydore and the Causeway. These sections are relatively flat and suitable for rhythmic running.
・Caloundra：The course heads south and reaches scenic Caloundra. This area also encourages runners with its beautiful beaches and roadside support. Near the turnaround point, you will pass many runners and be able to motivate each other.
Finish point
Finish on Mooloolaba Esplanade! The sense of accomplishment of completing the race while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Sunshine Coast and the countless cheers waiting for you at the finish line will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is very small, making it an almost flat course. The cumulative elevation gain is approximately 30m, and the cumulative elevation descent is approximately 30m. The highest point is 7m and the lowest point is 2m. This is a very advantageous condition for runners aiming for a personal best.
・Weather：The Sunshine Coast in early August, when the race is held, often has the perfect weather for running. The average temperature is 10-20°C, and it is usually dry with gentle, pleasant sea breezes.
Participants’ comments
・ “This is the best flat course in Australia! I got my personal best!”
・ “The support from the sidelines was really warm. Thanks to the people of the Sunshine Coast!”
・ “Running along the beautiful coastline was the best feeling.”
・ “This is a great course that I recommend even for marathon beginners.”
・ “The breeze from the ocean was very pleasant, and I was able to concentrate until the end.”
・ “It felt like the whole of the Sunshine Coast was embracing the runners.”
・ “The energy and excitement of running with thousands of runners, combined with the beautiful scenery and the presence of amazing spectators, made this experience truly special.”
・ “I was able to get a personal best thanks to this amazing course and the support.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Sunshine Coast Marathon is to make the most of the almost flat course and maintain a steady pace from the start. While enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery, stay focused and maintain your rhythm. It is important to conserve energy until the end and to pace yourself so that you can accelerate rapidly in the final sprint. The weather is often suitable for running, so you will be able to perform to the best of your ability.
The Sunshine Coast Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses. Run with runners from all over the world along a beautiful coastline filled with warm cheers, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2025 Sunshine Coast Summary
・Date and time: Monday, August 11, 2024
・Number of finishers: 5,231
・Average time: 4:25:10
MEN
1: Robert Collins: 2:27:51
2: Richie Egan: 2:28:40
3: Will Ford: 2:28:58
4: Andrew Dey: 2:33:09
5: Lachlan Kerin: 2:33:16
6: Brendan Press: 2:33:49
7: Dean Edmonds: 2:36:22
8: Matt Cooper: 2:36:56
9: Rhyly Paton: 2:40:42
10: Drew Williams: 2:42:40
WOMEN
1: Milly Clark: 2:37:07
2: Simone McInnes: 2:42:48
3: Mel Hauschildt: 2:57:16
4: Carol Robertson: 3:02:06
5: Kendall Fettell: 3:04:27
6: Kyoko Miura: 3:06:07
7: Roxie Fraser: 3:06:41
8: Yvonne Hillberg: 3:09:14
9: Ka Yee Cheung: 3:11:52
10: Chantelle Smith: 3:12:59
2025 Toronto Marathon
Run under the Australian sun and surpass yourself. 42.195km will unleash a new you
・Location: Mooloolaba (Mooloolaba Esplanade)
・Date and time: Monday, August 3, 2025
・Start time: 6:30 AM
Sunshine Coast: A paradise where the sun and sea weave into everyday life
The Sunshine Coast, a truly exceptional resort destination in Queensland, Australia, blessed with abundant sunshine and beautiful beaches. The picturesque white sand beaches, crystal-clear cobalt blue waters, and gentle waves instantly captivate visitors, and its relaxed atmosphere and the breath of nature’s beauty are unforgettable once you step foot there. The sophisticated ambiance of Noosa Heads, the vibrant beaches of Mooloolaba, and the lush natural beauty of the hinterland. Each tells its own unique story and fascinates visitors.
From water sports like surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to bushwalking and cycling in the hinterland, the Sunshine Coast is a place brimming with diverse activities. There are endless discoveries and delights to be had, whether you’re savoring fresh produce at local markets, encountering Australia’s unique wildlife at world-class zoos, or simply basking in the sun on the beach.
This region, where beautiful nature and a relaxed lifestyle coexist and new attractions are constantly being discovered, reveals a new face with every visit. Filled with creative energy and possessing infinite possibilities, the Sunshine Coast is a place where everyone can find “their own paradise.” Once you visit, you will be captivated by its charm and will want to return again and again—such a special place.
