In preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, organisers of the Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba are aiming to double their number of entrants to 25,000, a move that would shift the course to a new location.

When the Olympics come to Queensland's capital in eight years' time, the marathon event will be held on the Sunshine Coast.

Although the course is yet to be determined, organisers of the Sunshine Coast Marathon are keen to ensure the region is ready for an event of this magnitude — and to do this, they’re ramping up the scale of their own event.

The Sunshine Coast Marathon attracts participants from across the Asia Pacific and is a headliner on the marathon circuit.

This year, Olympic runner Milly Clarke set a new record on the Sunshine Coast, finishing as the fastest woman in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

The 2024 record of 12,000 participants, an increase of 4,000 from the year prior, brings the organisers closer to their goal of growing the event within five years.

Plans for a one-lap course

To support the expansion, organisers plan to introduce a one-lap course by extending the event north to Mudjimba, with the aim of growing it to the scale of the Sydney Marathon. 

Event director Jason Crowther said the changes would make the course a major drawcard for the region and help set the stage for the 2032 Olympic marathon on the Sunshine Coast.

"We probably could have taken 15,000 runners [this year]."

Mr Crowther said under the proposal, the new course could be finalised within two years.

"Once we have a one-lap course, it'll give us the opportunity to get capacity up to around 25,000," he said.

The organiser said the changes would mean marathon runners no longer had to navigate turnaround points, though turning points would remain for shorter race distances.

Mr Crowther said the proposed course's scenic views meant it had the potential to be recognised worldwide.

"If I was travelling here from overseas, it would be one of the most spectacular marathons in the world, running from Mooloolaba to Mudjimba," he said.

Gearing up for 2032

Olympic swimming champion and deputy chair of Sunshine Coast 2032 Duncan Armstrong said he had confidence in the region's ability to host a successful marathon, given its history of events — like the Sunshine Coast Marathon — and its natural beauty.

Sunshine Coast 2032 is a community-driven initiative that aims to maximise the opportunities for the region created by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"To have the best marathon athletes in the world potentially running in your suburb towards an Olympic gold medal will really inspire so many of our community," Armstrong said.

Community collaboration was key, Armstrong said, and would help make the Olympic Games successful in eight years' time.

"We need to liaise, connect, and unite all parts of the Sunshine Coast community to deliver an outstanding marathon," he said.

Armstrong said some local Games events — like the marathon — would largely be free, allowing many Sunshine Coasters to have an Olympic experience.

Champion endorses changes

This year's Sunshine Coast Wheelchair Marathon champion Sharnie Digby from Castlemaine, Victoria, has competed in 18 marathons since 2020.

Digby supports the proposed course changes, as the current three-lap course requires her to make six challenging turns.

"The straighter the course the better."

Digby said a one-loop course would prevent competitors from looping back into other participants, which could be dangerous.

"By the final lap, the course is very congested," she said.

Digby said speed humps should be avoided in any future course for safety as well.

Despite these challenges, the athlete praised the event's inclusivity.

"They've built an amazing foundation and are working so hard to make it a great event for everyone," Digby said.

Council backs growth

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast Marathon had grown into one of the region’s largest mass-participation sports events.