Gold Coast Marathon (GCM) Race Day Tips For First Timers

Ahhh, the Gold Coast Marathon. I won’t be running my 11th GCM 😣 but if you’re one of the many excited runners flying into the Gold Coast for the first time next week, here are some tips for you, from what to pack for race day and how to go about your race morning preparations!

Since weather is going to influence your packing, start monitoring the weather sites like Accuweather and Weather.com for race week forecasts. 2019 and 2022 were wet which were kind of a bummer since Gold Coast winter have always been dry! Nevertheless, a little bit of rain shouldn’t take away the race day excitement and your racing goals. Personally, I’d welcome a bit of light showers. After all, it won’t be freezing temps that we’re talking about here. Temps average around 11-12 Celcius at the start (6:15am for both the ASICS Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday), race perfect conditions. Mercury will nudge up to around 16-18 Celcius. Warm under the sun, but decidedly cooler under the shade. In those conditions, the risk will lean more towards being over-dressed than under, so there’s really no need to run in long tops and long bottoms. That said, you’d want to bundle up for when you leave your hotel/AirBnB. With that, let’s go through the tips race day packing!

Leaving the hotel/AirBnB

This was what we wore at night and on race morning while waiting for the tram. Not much different except for the extra gloves and cap.

• Go with the layering approach. I wear 4 layers of unwanted event/old tees over my race singlet. Over that goes a windbreaker or weather-resistant jacket. I keep a pair of gloves on as well. A pair of track pants go over my race shorts. I don’t wear calf compression sleeves but I sometimes have my arm sleeves on. They’re easily stowed away in my waist pouch when it warms up. Morning temps will be in the low 10s and in the oft-chance that it drizzles, you’d want to keep your race shoes in your check-in bag (yes always travel with 2 pairs of shoes!) until time for your warm-up. Bring along a disposable poncho in case of wet conditions. Also important will be sunglasses and a cap to protect against the sun (or rain).
• Your pre-race drinks and carbs should also be in your check-in bag. Don’t forget to securely tie your baggage tag to your bag to avoid last minute fumbling at the baggage tent.

Getting to the Race Precinct at Broadwater Parklands.

• For me, the best way is the free ride on the G Link. Head on here for details > https://goldcoastmarathon.com.au/race-weekend/transport/
• Be early because the trams can get pretty crowded. Oh yes, it’ll be warm in the tram ☺

At the Race Precinct

• Find a spot that’s not too far from the race start or toilets. 
• If you’re in a group, watch out for each others’ bags as you take turns warming up. There are plenty of areas that you’ll be able to get your warm up jogs and stretching done.
• Once you’re re-hydrated, topped off on fuel, and all warmed up and loose, be ready to check-in your bags. 
• Get yourself oriented with the layout here > https://goldcoastmarathon.com.au/race-weekend/race-precinct/

Starting Corral

• You would’ve know which corral you’re going to be in, so do time your entry into each section appropriately. Don’t forget your final toilet visit. 
• If you’re looking to get paced to your goal time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find them within your corral. Unlike races in Malaysia, the pacers (from 3:00 to 6:40) will be with you from the start. 
• Keep your layers of tees on to stay warm. Remove one layer as the minutes count down. The disposed tees will be collected, washed and donated to charity.
• Enjoy the race atmosphere and race smart!

The arm sleeves came off soon after this point (30K).

Very sunny after a gloomy morning. You will find it too warm if you wear long compression. Keep it light and simple.

That’s it! As I’ve mentioned, winter on the Gold Coast isn’t as cold as say, South Korea or Japan. Logistics will be simpler. I’d kit up not much different from how I’d prep in Malaysia. It’s a fast course and if executed well, you’ll come back with a personal best. If you’re not running for time, you’ll enjoy the scenic views and the crowd which have grown lots over the years. I will miss GCM23 but I will return next year for another shot at BQ.

Don’t forget to download the official app – info on event schedule, course maps, start zones and more can be found there! Hit the link on the image below.

Have an awesome runcation and race and do post some photos on our Facebook page 🤩