Frequently Asked Questions
What is a virtual run?
A virtual run is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, in the park, on the treadmill or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.
You will need to keep track of your run/walk through a GPS application. We recommend using ASICS Runkeeper™️ which is free and can be downloaded from any app store (click here). Please note that you only need the free version of ASICS Runkeeper™️ (the upgrade to ASICS Runkeeper™️ Pro is not required and is optional).
When is the Gold Coast Virtual Marathon?
You can complete your race at any time or date between Saturday 1 July and Sunday 9 July 2023.
How much does it cost to register?
63.3km Challenge (Half Marathon (1 July) + Marathon (2 July)) $180.00
Virtual Marathon $100.00
Virtual Half Marathon $80.00
Virtual 10km $60.00
Virtual 5km $40.00
Virtual Junior Dash 4km $30.00
Virtual Junior Dash 2km $30.00
Entry Inclusions:
Race Number (downloadable)
Finishers Medal
Finishers T-Shirt (42.2km, 21.1km, 10km & 5km)
Finishers Cap/Hat (Junior Dash 4km & 2km)
GCM Gift (Marathon entrants only)
Re-useable Race Number Clips (sent post-event with the finisher rewards)
Postage (post event)
63.3km Medal (63.3km Challenge entrants only)
When do entries close for the Gold Coast Virtual Marathon?
Entries will close on Friday 7 July 2023.
When will I receive my finisher's rewards?
All rewards will be posted to the address provided with your registration upon conclusion of the event.
I don’t live in Australia, can I still enter?
Yes of course, you can run this race from anywhere in the world. Please note the date and time differences to ensure that you log a result prior to the cut off of 11:59pm (AEST) Sunday 9 July 2023.
Can I enter more than one race distance?
Yes of course, please complete a registration for each distance you are interested in competing in.
63.3km Challenge
If entering the 63.3km challenge, please select the 63.3km Challenge bundle which will enter you for both events automatically within one registration.
Run a virtual Half Marathon (1 July) and a virtual Marathon (2 July) events, completing a total of 63.3km and earn some extra bling! This race combination comes with it's own separate medal to celebrate this awesome achievement. Please note that you must complete these events on the designated days (as aligned with the physical #GCM23 Event) to be eligible.
Can I complete my race distance over multiple runs?
No, you will need to complete the race in one attempt (one continuous effort).
How do I complete the virtual race and upload my result?
You will need to keep track of your run/walk through a GPS application. We recommend using ASICS Runkeeper™️ which is free and can be downloaded from any app store (click here). Please note that you only need the free version of ASICS Runkeeper™️ (the upgrade to ASICS Runkeeper™️ Pro is not required and is optional).
There are three options to complete your virtual race and upload your result – check out our detailed ‘How to Run & Upload Result’ information here
Will I receive a race number?
You will have access to a downloadable #GCM23 virtual race number that you can personalise and print to wear.
Do I have to wear the official race number?
No, this is completely optional.
When do I complete my race?
You can complete your race at any time or date between Saturday 1 July and Sunday 9 July 2023.
Once you have completed and saved your race within the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app, you are not able to re-do this race.
However, if you are not happy with your time or you want to have another attempt at improving your time (or place), you are able to complete another run and save this activity in the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app and then take a screenshot of your new race result (or screenshot from your other running app or photo of your result on your GPS watch) and manually upload this result directly on the results page click here to override your previous one! That’s right, you can continue to update your time right up until the race cut-off at 11:59pm (AEST) 9 July 2023! Just make sure the last run/walk you submit is your best as each time you submit a new result, your old one will be removed!
Where do I run my race?
A virtual race can be run or walked anywhere, at a location of your own choosing in your local park, on your favourite trail or around your local neighbourhood loop (or even on a treadmill if you like). Please ensure that you are following government guidelines in your country, state or local government area for COVID-19 when choosing your running location.
To keep the playing field level for all participants please keep these two rules in mind when planning your course route:
- A maximum permitted net drop (decrease in elevation) of 1m/km is permitted over the course distance. Sorry, you can’t just run down a steep hill!
- The finish location must not exceed more than 50% from the finish line (as a crow flies) of the total distance run i.e. if you run 5km the finish cannot be more than 2.5 km away from the start. Out-and-back or loop courses are encouraged.
Can I compete in a wheelchair?
Yes absolutely, all events have been set up for wheelchair entrants too - in both racing wheelchairs and day chairs. Please select the wheelchair race options when submitting your registration.
Can I run the actual Gold Coast Marathon course?
Please note that purchasing a virtual entry does not allow you access to the Gold Coast Marathon course on race weekend (1-2 July).
Can I complete my event on a treadmill?
Yes absolutely, please ensure you take a photo of your end result that includes distance and time and upload this photo when your lodge your results manually. Please review the process at ‘How to Run & Upload Result’ link here
Is there a time limit / cut off for any distance?
There are no time limits in which to complete your chosen race, you can take on your chosen distance at your own pace.
Please note: our physical events enforces cut off times so roads can be reopened to the public in accordance with event permits and therefore in this case do not apply.
Can I complete my run with other runners?
Yes you can but please ensure that you are following government restrictions and guidelines in your country, state or local government area for COVID-19 when choosing who (and how many) to run with.
Can we enter as a team?
Yes, there is an option within the registration form to create a team or add yourself to your chosen team. Gather all your friends, family and colleagues and set the challenge! Please note that this registration system is not linked to the Gold Coast Marathon portal and teams will need to be created within each portal separately.
Can I change my race distance?
Yes, you can update your chosen race by emailing us on info@goldcoastevents.com.au
Can I raise money for charity?
Our charity partners are the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and CPL. You can make a donation directly to either of these charities via the ‘Donate Now’ links on the event registration page.
You can also raise money for your chosen charity via the Grassrootz platform. Click here to start fundraising with Grassrootz.
Are there any finisher rewards?
All virtual race finishers will receive a #GCM23 Medal and T-Shirt (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km) or Cap (Junior Dash 4km and 2km). Marathon Entrants will also receive a #GCM23 Gift. These will be posted post event (postage included in entry fee).
Will my Virtual Race count towards the 10, 20, 30 year club?
Yes your #GCM23 virtual event will count towards your total, however, please note, all inductions must be completed in person at the Gold Coast Marathon physical event.
For example, if this is your 13th year it will count as your 13th event. If it is your 10th, 20th or 30th year and you are eligible for induction in to this year club you will need to be inducted the next year you compete in this event in person.
Will there be awards for the winners of each event? And age categories?
There will be no awards for race winners or age categories – just bragging rights and the chance to get a shout out via our social media channels! We encourage you to use the #GCM23 hashtag.
Are there any age limits for the virtual races?
Yes there are age limits as outlined below (age as at 9 July 2023). The age limits are the same for the running events and the wheelchair events.
- Gold Coast Virtual Marathon – minimum age is 18 years old
- ASICS Virtual Half Marathon – minimum age is 15 years old
- Southern Cross University Virtual 10km Run – minimum age is 12 years old
- Gold Coast Airport Virtual 5km Fun Run – no age restriction however we ask that an adult accompanies any child under the age of 12 taking part
- Health and Wellbeing Queensland Virtual 4km Junior Dash – the entrant must be between 5 and 14 years old
- Health and Wellbeing Queensland Virtual 2km Junior Dash – the entrant must be between 5 and 14 years old
Please note that anyone under the age of 14 will require an adult to complete the registration (select registering for someone else option).
In addition, anyone under the age of 14 will not be able to create an ASICS Runkeeper™️ account. Therefore children under the age of 14 will need to use someone else's Runkeeper™️ account or simply upload their result manually.
Are there any rules associated with the virtual run?
- Each participant must run the selected race distance and record their performance using one of the official options outlined above and send proof via the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app or manually lodge with a screenshot/photo via your Race Roster login/confirmation to ensure it is a valid result.
- A maximum permitted net drop (decrease in elevation) of 1m/km is permitted over the course distance. Sorry, you can’t just run down a steep hill!
- The finish location must not exceed more than 50% from the finish line (as a crow flies) of the total distance run i.e. if you run 5km the finish cannot be more than 2.5 km away from the start. Out-and-back or loop courses are encouraged.
- Times for the overall top 10 by gender in each race and top 3 by age division will be ratified by virtual race officials who have discretion to seek further clarification and/or remove a participants’ result if they feel someone has not covered the entire race distance or followed the outlined procedure.
How do you know that runners have completed the correct distance and recorded a correct time?
Results are supplied on an honesty system. We trust that you have completed the distance chosen for your run/walk or wheelchair race in one continuous effort and uploaded your total elapsed time (the same as a regular race), not just your moving time (the clock doesn't stop in a race when you need to stop for a toilet break or a little stretch!).
Times for the overall top 10 by gender in each race and top 3 by age division will be ratified by virtual race officials who have discretion to seek further clarification and/or remove a participant’s result if they feel someone has not covered the entire race distance or followed the outlined procedure.
Do I have to submit a result?
If you wish to keep your result private and still receive your finishers’ rewards, please do not load your result to the ASICS Runkeeper™️ app or lodge via your Race Roster portal, please email these direct to info@goldcoastevents.com.au, ensuring you provide sufficient evidence (such as a photo) of your completed run, including time and distance.
How can I manage to run a marathon on my own?
Please do not attempt to run 42.195km unless you have done adequate training and you are thoroughly physically and mentally prepared. Do not attempt to run if you feel sick or have any flu-like symptoms. Please ensure that you set your course to ensure you have access to adequate nutrition (either carrying or able to collect at regular intervals) and a form of communication should you need support along the way.
- Set up a 5.275km or 10.55km loop circuit that passes by your house (or car) so you can have a drink bottle, gels and other supplies available at regular intervals during your run
- Invite family and friends to be at certain points along the way to provide you with support and have drink bottles at the ready
- Ensure that you tell a family member or friend your planned route and approximate running time
- Carry your phone with you
- Run with a friend
What is the virtual run hashtag?
The hashtag is #GCM23 - please use this for all your social media posts for your training and virtual run race pics.
I have registered but haven't received my confirmation email. What should I do now?
In the first instance please check your junk/spam box for your confirmation email. If it isn't there please email info@goldcoastevents.com.au and we will check your registration status for you.
I have accidentally deleted the instruction email with the link to add my virtual race to the Runkeeper app. What should I do now?
Don't worry! You can also find the unique link to add each race to your Runkeeper™️ app on your participant dashboard (here.You must click on the unique link from your mobile device.Please note that if you have registered for one of the event bundles you'll have links to each different race (e.g. Gold Coast Virtual Marathon, ASICS Virtual Half Marathon etc) so make sure you add each of them into your Runkeeper™️ app and then select the one you want to run on that particular day! Also, make sure you check out our detailed ‘How to Run & Upload Result’ information here.
If you have trouble signing into your Race Roster account please contact support@raceroster.com
