I was on a real runners high after the Da Nang Marathon, so immediately started looking for the next race.
A trip Down Under was in order before heading home, and the timing of the Gold Coast Marathon in early July was perfect.
The only problem? It was already sold out! But this is where it pays to keep in contact with friends around the world. My mate Jen in Australia suggested I join the Facebook page for the event, as people often sell their places there. And sure enough, I found an option through the FB page.
Someone on the page mentioned that you could get a place for the Gold Coast Marathon if you sign up for the Toowoomba event a few weeks before it. So I selected the cheapest option – with no intention of actually running it – and got my Gold Coast registration link a few days later. This roundabout way of entry is jokingly referred to as paying the Toowoomba Tax (not the most ethical way to enter a race, but sin é).
I registered for the marathon three months out from the race, which gave me plenty of time to train. I put in some good mileage in the Vietnamese heat before making my way to Australia in late June. The difference in temperature was immediately noticeable and the week before the marathon I finished a Parkrun in a great time, so I was feeling quietly confident going into the race.
Build up
Originally, I was planning to stay in a hostel down at the Gold Coast, but my uncle Patrick – who I stayed with in Brisbane – kindly offered to drive me down to the expo and on the morning of the race itself.
On the Friday we tipped down early to pick up the race pack. This was well organised and we got through quick enough. There’s always a good atmosphere at an expo and it does get you hyped for the race. Although, compared to the recent races I ran in Vietnam, the freebies were notably lacking.
Professional photo by Patrick
While picking up my bib I was reminded of this genius idea I had months prior…
Had completely forgotten I put this down as my bib name. Got a few shout outs during the race!
It was great to get the expo out of the way on the Friday, so Saturday was much more chilled. I wasn’t watching my diet as much for this race, but I did try a bit of the trusty Scandinavian Dissociated Diet in the build up – mostly a lot of pasta in the two days leading up to the race. Once again, it worked out quite well.
On Sunday then I was up early and got dropped off at a train station just north of the Gold Coast. Made my way to the starting area and bag drop in plenty of time and then had a bit of a warm up.
Raring to go
Race Report
Managed to absolutely smash my A goal, finishing in a very healthy 3:08:00.
Didn’t have any real expectations on myself, so I went out with the intention of consistent pacing and see how I got on.
Then, when the 3:10 pacers caught up with me (not sure why/how I was ahead of them!), I decided to stick with them. This went better than planned and I was able to push on in the latter stages.
Without a doubt, all the running in the heat of Vietnam stood to me. I did two decent half marathons in June, but hadn’t really done any long runs so wasn’t too sure how I’d fare.
The cooler temperatures made it much easier to maintain a good pace, and I only went over the 170bpm heart rate range briefly in the final straight. On this final straight I saw about 10 people who had dropped out, as the day started to warm up.
The highlight of the race was my solid negative split1 – running the second half in around 1:30. This negative split meant I past out nearly 1000 people in the second half of the race, which I’ll be honest, felt class!
Being able to shave 40 minutes off in 6 months is a great feeling too, and I feel I’m back to where I should be. This was 20 minutes faster than Da Nang in March – can I shave off another 20 minutes in 2026? A sub 2:48 is the dream time. Let’s see how it goes.
What I will say, as I write this a week out from the race, is how comfortable it felt throughout. Reflecting on the runs the past few months, I definitely found the Ha Long half a lot tougher.
So I’m keen to keep it up when I get home – maybe see about a mountain race if there are any bibs going in late August.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the race itself:
| KM | Experience |
|---|---|
| 🏁 0-12k – Controlled start | Strict pacing at a comfortable 4:40/km. Settled in well and conserved energy. |
| 🤝 12-21k – With the 3:10 crew | Joined the 3:10 pacers. Wasn't sure how it’d go but felt great. Hit halfway at 1:35. |
| 🎉 21-25k – Camaraderie boost | Kept up with the 3:10 group, running around 4:30/km. Good craic and steady rhythm. |
| 💪 25-28k – No signs of slowing | Got past the usual hump and no signs of stitch, stiffness or the wall. |
| 🚀 28-32k – Surge of energy | Pushed on with a burst of energy. Feeling that around 3:05 was doable, over 40 mins faster than Chiang Mai. |
| ⏱️ 32-35k – Flow state | Dropped back a bit but strung together 4km at 4:16/km without checking the watch. |
| 💨 35-40k – Flying now | Was able to bring the time even lower, just over 4:10/km. Passing out hundreds of people. |
| 🎯 40-42k – Mission complete | Strong finish. Beauty |
Post-Race
Felt fine crossing the line, and after picking up my medal and finishers tee, I joined the queue for a massage – always nice after a race, though not quite at the level as the Thai ones I was used to.
Big smiles after the race. Not arsed paying for the pic tho
There was quite a bit of heat in the sun when it finally came out, which thankfully wasn’t the case during the race. I wasn’t hanging around though, so met up with Patrick and we headed for Brissy.
The sun came out after the race and there was a good atmosphere about the place
Started noticing a bit of stiffness in the legs as the day went on, but nothing too bad, and – most importantly – no chafing! Went for a short stroll and had a few hard earned beers with Pat – just the cure I was after.
Curse whoever invented hills
Reflections
Absolutely delighted with the pacing and race management for this one. There’s a lot that needs to go right on the day, and with the experience of 7 marathons behind me, it all came into place on my 8th.
My plan is to build on this when I’m home and put in a solid effort at the Galway Bay Half in October, then set my sights on a PB for a full in 2026.
In terms of the event, it’s a fast flat course with long straight sections. Loads of pacers and water stations, and a huge crowd – after 2 night races in Asian countries, it was nice to have people cheer us on with some motivational and entertaining signs.
I really enjoyed the “Don’t Be Shit!” sign I saw just moments into the race. Welcome to Australia!
Footnotes
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Running the second half of the race faster than the first half. ↩
DavAI SummAIriser
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