Training starts now: the best of Queensland’s endurance event season 2025/6
EVENT
By Jess Pridmore
Published 1 day ago
Noosa Ultra-Trail | Mooloolaba Triathlon | Brisbane Cycling Festival | Straddie Salute | Cairns IRONMAN | Noosa Triathlon | Hamilton Island Ocean Swim
Looking for a new challenge that'll get your blood pumping? Queensland is set to host an impressive lineup of endurance events in the year ahead, emerging as the destination for amateur and pro athletes wanting to test their mettle.
From mighty triathlons to running festivals, cycling and ocean swims, there's never been a better time to turn a race into a reason to travel. Head to Queensland and test your limits at one of these epic endurance events.
Looking for a trail running event? Here are some of Queensland's best.
Noosa Summer Swim Festival, Sunshine Coast
- The Challenge: Turn up your gentle front crawl in Noosa’s turquoise waters at Noosa Summer Swim Festival. This ocean swim race has something for all abilities, including 300 metres, 1km, 2km, 3km and 5km distances. There are even junior events for the kids.
- How to reward yourself: Live like a local in Noosa for a long weekend, then escape into the hinterland to discover country towns, luxurious farm stays and farm-to-table delights.
Learn more: 2026 dates are TBC but dive into our guide here.
Noosa Ultra-Trail, Sunshine Coast
- The Challenge: Breathe in that crisp Noosa hinterland air in one of Australia’s most scenic and challenging ultra-trail events – the Noosa Ultra-Trail. As Queensland's largest trail run and active lifestyle festival, you’re spoilt for choice with six trail runs from 15-100 kilometres.
- How to reward yourself: Wind down at the event’s famous 'Sunday Shakedown' on Noosa's Main Beach or soothe tired muscles at one of the Sunshine Coast’s magical day spas.
Learn more: Use this guide to start planning.
Plan your trip to Queensland
Mooloolaba Triathlon, Sunshine Coast
- The Challenge: Conquer the ultimate trifecta—a swim in the Pacific Ocean, a fast bike course, and a scenic run—against the backdrop of the resplendent Sunshine Coast in this challenging triathlon. Not quite ready for the Olympic distances? Try the Sprint Tri or the teams' relay race. There are junior races and the Special Tri, too.
- How to reward yourself: Dining in Mooloolaba is continuing an upward spiral, driven by local seafood and access to the nearby food bowl of the Hinterland. Check out our top picks from the Sunshine Coast, and stay a little longer with this guide to Mooloolaba.
Learn more: get the guide here.
Hell of the West Weekend, Queensland Country
When: 21 – 22 March 2026 | Entries are now open.
- The Challenge: The name says it all. Tackle one of Australia’s toughest triathlons; a 2km swim in the mighty Macintyre River, an 80km “dead flat” cycle along the Barwon Highway and a 20km run along the river. If you're not ready to go the full distance, there are 5km and 10km Gundy Inferno Charity Runs instead.
- How to reward yourself: Check out incredible silo art nearby in Yelarbon - or hightail it to Stanthorpe to refuel on the Granite Belt's bounty of food and wine. The spoils are endless in this neck of the woods.
Learn more: Hell of the West Weekend: Your guide to Queensland's toughest triathlon
Gold Coast T100 Triathlon
When: 21 – 22 March 2026 | Entries are now open.
- The Challenge: Whether you’re chasing your first triathlon or gunning for a new PB, this Gold Coast race is a must for your 2026 calendar. With flat terrain and ocean views for days, it’s as scenic as it is sweaty. The action kicks off in Broadbeach, where you can tackle the big one—a 100km triathlon featuring a 2km swim, 80km ride and 18km run—go for the Olympic distance with a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run, or ease in with a cruisy 10km run.
- How to reward yourself: Swap the seaside for the hinterland and explore the magic of Tamborine Mountain.
Learn more: get the ultimate guide here.
Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon (Luke Harrop Memorial), Gold Coast
When: 11 - 12 April 2026 | Entries are now open.
- The Challenge: A thrilling triathlon experience on the Gold Coast, tackle a swim, coastal bike ride, and scenic run, set in the spectacular Broadwater Parklands. Bring the whole family; this year’s event even features a kid's tri.
- How to reward yourself: Spend the day exploring Surfers Paradise or treat yourself to a beachfront brunch.
Learn more: get the guide here.
Brisbane Cycling Festival, Brisbane
When: TBC March/April 2026
- The Challenge: From professional races to community rides, there's something for every rider at Brisbane Cycling Festival. The huge event brings everyone's favourite - the Tour de Brisbane - along with AusCycling Track National Championships, bustling Festival Village, and Oceania Cycling Championships to the heart of the city.
- How to reward yourself: Replenish yourself afterwards at Brisbane's best restaurants.
Von Bibra Gold Coast Running Festival, Gold Coast
When: 26 April 2026 | Entries are now open.
- The Challenge: Lace up your trainers for the most fun, family-friendly event on the calendar. The Gold Coast Running Festival is a celebration for all abilities, so bring the kids, your group of friends or colleagues and get in on the action. There's a half marathon, 10km, 5km, 2.5km and 1km. Walk, run, and have a good time.
- How to reward yourself: Enjoy some family fun at the theme parks or unwind at the beach.
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon, Queensland Country
When: TBC May 2026
- The Challenge: Hit the streets of Toowoomba and take in the historic sites, artistic streetscapes and colourful gardens during the Toowoomba Marathon. Whether you're a recreational runner or an elite athlete, choose from the 42.195km marathon, the half marathon, 10km or 5km run, or the all-new Airport Mile.
- How to reward yourself: Hit the road for a fun road trip on one of these nearby day trips.
Hamilton Island Endurance Series: Hilly Half Marathon, The Whitsundays
When: TBC May 2026
- The Challenge: For a combination of beauty and challenge, this iconic island race follows a rugged, roughly 23km route with a mix of uphill and downhill sections. You can enter this iconic event either as an individual competitor or as part of a team.
- How to reward yourself: Taste test a poolside Pina Colada at each resort on Hamilton Island.
Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Brisbane
- The Challenge: Surf, sand, road and dirt combine in nature’s ultimate playground for Straddie Salute. The original off-road event takes participants through a 750m ocean swim from Home Beach, followed by an 18km cycle across both sealed roads and 4WD trails, and an 8.5km run featuring a mix of coastal trails around Point Lookout.
- How to reward yourself: Soak up the island vibes with this local guide to Minjerribah.
Runaway Noosa Marathon, Sunshine Coast
When: 23 May 2026 | Entries are now open.
- The Challenge: The freshest marathon on the Australian running scene, Runaway Noosa Marathon is a flat and fast course that winds alongside the picturesque Noosa River. If you’re not up for a full marathon just yet, there’s also the option of a half marathon and 10km race.
- How to reward yourself: After slogging through 42.2km, unwind with a swim at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful beaches.
Eva Air Brisbane Marathon Festival, Brisbane
When: 7 June 2026
- The Challenge: A true test of human endurance, Brisbane Marathon takes in some of the best spots in the River City. You can of course take your pick of less demanding races in the marathon festival such as a half marathon, a 10 km run, a 5 km run/walk and a children's 1 km 'mini marathon'.
- How to reward yourself: By diving into Brisbane’s thriving food scene.
Great Whitehaven Beach Run, The Whitsundays
- The Challenge: Sinking your toes into the silica sands of famous Whitehaven Beach is on the bucket list for many travellers. But you can do things a little differently in paradise on the Great Whitehaven Beach Run, part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series. An unforgettable way to experience the beach, there are five distance events to choose from, from a challenging 21-kilometre half marathon to shorter 10km, 5km and kid's races.
- How to reward yourself: Stick around and soak up the best of island life in The Whitsundays.
Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championships, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
- The Challenge: The true IRONMAN is a beast. Think 3.8km swim, 180km bike and then a full 42.2km marathon. All in one day. All in under 10 hours for some of the best in the sport. Not to mention the whole racetrack is stunning, nestled between two World Heritage wonders.
- How to reward yourself: Escape to one of these Great Barrier Reef island resorts to recover.
Learn more: 7 reasons why Cairns IRONMAN is the most beautiful triathlon on the planet
ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Gold Coast
When: 5 – 6 July 2026
- The Challenge: Test your mettle at Australia’s iconic Gold Coast Marathon, a scenic course along the famous beaches - perfect for veterans and first timers. Held over two days, the marathon is the premier event, but you can’t go past the wheelchair marathon for sheer excitement and inspiration.
- Other events include 2km and 4km Junior Dashes, a 5km and 10km fun run, and a 10km wheelchair race.
- How to reward yourself: Cool off at the beach, then tick off all the best things to do on the Gold Coast.
Learn more: get the guide here.
7 Cairns Marathon, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
When: 12 July 2026
- The Challenge: Want the best views in Cairns for your course? Enter the 7 Cairns Marathon, with race options including the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km.
- How to reward yourself: You may as well explore the Great Barrier Reef while you’re here. Take your pick from this list of unforgettable things to do.
Jetty 2 Jetty Half Marathon & Fun Run, Brisbane
When: 20 July 2025 | Entries now open
- The Challenge: Experience the beauty of Queensland’s most scenic and longest-running fun run, on the stunning Redcliffe Peninsula. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a casual walker, or just looking for a fun day out, the Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run offers something for everyone.
- How to reward yourself: Soak up the vibes of this seaside town with this guide to the Redcliffe Peninsula.
McDonalds Townsville Running Festival, Townsville
- The Challenge: Queensland’s largest regional marathon, the Townsville Running Festival is no slouch on the sporting event stage. Set against the backdrop of Magnetic Island, the Coral Sea, and the glowing granite of Castle Hill, choose your distance and immerse yourself in the festival spirit.
- How to reward yourself: Head out for a well-deserved bite at one of Townsville’s vibrant restaurants.
EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon, Sunshine Coast
When: 31 July - 3 August 2025 | Entries now open
- The Challenge: Whether you consider yourself a hardcore athlete, an occasional runner, or you just want to challenge yourself, the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has an event for you. Choose between the full marathon (42 km), the half marathon (21 km), the 10km run, the 5km walk and 2km family dash, which will see you take in the pristine coastline of Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland.
- How to reward yourself: Cool off post-run with a swim at one of Sunshine Coast’s best beaches, or stretch tired muscles on an easy hike with epic views.
The Coolangatta Gold, Gold Coast
When: 14 - 15 October 2025 | Entries are now open.
- The Challenge: One of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports, the Coolangatta Gold tempts water fiends across the country to fine-tune their multi-disciplinary techniques so they can swim, run, paddle board and surf ski to salty glory in either the 21km Short Course or 41.8km Long Course.
- How to reward yourself: Swap the adrenaline for a slower pace and secret beaches with this 48-hour itinerary.
Learn more: Your guide to the Coolangatta Gold
Noosa Triathlon, Sunshine Coast
- The Challenge: Swim in Laguna Bay, cycle through Noosa’s hinterland, and run along the waterfront. The iconic Noosa Triathlon is not only the largest triathlon in Australia but also the world's largest Olympic distance tri and the biggest multi-sports festival in the Southern Hemisphere. There's plenty more than just the triathlon to get you excited: there's a run/swim/run race, Breakfast Fun Run, Tour de Noosa, Ocean Swim, kids' tri and Special Tri to keep the action going.
- How to reward yourself: A recovery stroll through the Noosa National Park then a well-deserved meal at one of Noosa’s renowned restaurants.
Learn more: Your guide to the Noosa Triathlon
Hervey Bay 100 and 50 Triathlon
When: 15 - 16 November 2025
- The Challenge: Dive into the thrill of the Hervey Bay 100 and 50. Set against coastal views, the "HB100" is a challenge for seasoned athletes, and the "HB50" offers a half-distance version that's just as exciting.
- How to reward yourself: Treat yourself to a day (or more) on K'gari. Pure waters, lush rainforests and endless sandy beaches await.
Hamilton Island Ocean Swim, The Whitsundays
- The Challenge: If you’re going to do an ocean swim, you might as well depart from one of the best beaches in the world. Located on beautiful Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island, the annual event includes a 2-kilometre, 750-metre 750 Anything Goes and a 350-metre junior swim meet.
- How to reward yourself: Stay a little longer. That’s it. You’re in The Whitsundays, you’re already rewarding yourself.
If that’s not enough to keep you busy, explore more of Queensland’s top sporting events.
Delve deeper into Queensland’s events
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