Record 16,500 runners celebrate 15 years of Sunshine Coast Marathon

The festival delivered a record celebration of running, with 16,500 participants taking part across the EVA Air Marathon, McDonald’s Half Marathon, Westpac 10km, Cricks 5km Run, Maroochy RSL 5km Walk and 2km events.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the 2026 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival once again demonstrated the strength and spirit of our community, with volunteers, event organisers, local businesses and residents coming together to deliver an outstanding event experience.

"Events like this create lasting benefits for our region, generating valuable economic activity while promoting health, wellbeing and community connection,” Mayor Natoli said.

"It was fantastic to see our streets and coastline come alive with participants and supporters from across the country, creating an atmosphere that was both inspiring and welcoming.

"Thank you to the event organisers, sponsors, volunteers, emergency services personnel and everyone who played a role in making this year's Sunshine Coast Marathon such a success.

“Congratulations to every participant who crossed a finish line this weekend. Whether it was your first event or your fiftieth, every runner should be incredibly proud of their achievement.

“A huge thank you to the many residents and business owners whose Sunday was impacted. We know these events can make it difficult to move around, so everyone’s patience and good will is truly appreciated.

“The Sunshine Coast continues to build its reputation as a leading destination for major events, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back again next year.”

The winners 

Two-time Olympian Brett Robinson and American Beth McKenzie (pictured above) have claimed the marathon wins at the 2026 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, with a record 16,500 participants taking part across the event’s six races.

Robinson crossed the finish line in 2:15:45 to win the EVA Air Marathon, adding another chapter to his strong connection with the Sunshine Coast event. 

The 35-year-old previously won the half marathon in 2022 before returning in 2025 to help pace Ryan Gregson to a new marathon course record.

Mr Robinson said it was tough. 

"The two years I’ve been here previously it’s been a much more enjoyable experience,” Mr Robinson said.

“Conditions weren’t great today. It was a bit of a downpour that first half which made things tough. I just wasn’t feeling great in that back end so couldn’t go quite as quick as I wanted to today.”

Noosa-based McKenzie produced a record-breaking performance in the women’s race, crossing the line in 2:37:26 to claim her second EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon title.

The 46-year-old, who first won the event in 2023, lowered the previous course record (2:41:12) set by Sarah Short in 2025.

Ms McKenzie said she got very lucky. 

"We bumped into the half marathon and my friend Ella was right there so she was able to chat with me for a couple of kilometers and take my mind away from the pain,” Ms McKenzie said.

“I’m really lucky, we’ve got an amazing crew to run with up there (Noosa) and they’re all into roads. My last marathon was three years ago and since then I’ve done a lot of trail racing but I keep fast in the road training with all of my friends, they’re all about half my age so it keeps me fit and young.”

The McDonald’s Half Marathon saw two of Australia’s leading distance athletes add their names to the Sunshine Coast honour roll, with two-time Olympians Ryan Gregson and Izzi Batt-Doyle (pictured below) taking out the men’s and women’s titles.

Gregson crossed the line in 1:04:01 to win his first half marathon title on the Sunshine Coast. 

The 36-year-old previously claimed victory in the EVA Air Marathon in 2025, setting a new course record in the process.

Batt-Doyle made a winning debut at the Sunshine Coast event, taking out the women’s half marathon win in 1:08:49 as part of her preparations for the Chicago Marathon.

Ms Batt-Doyle said it was good to be here. 

"I had a great run. I started off not really sure where I’d find myself today and I found two really great guys to run with,” MS Batt-Doyle said.

“I didn’t know them beforehand but they took the wind for me and were even putting their hands up and getting the crowd hyped as I ran past. It’s just so cool to have that in the sport and find people out there to make friends along the way.

“I’ve started my preparations for the Chicago Marathon so my legs are a bit heavier from training. To run 68-something, I’m really happy with that consistency.

“The crowd definitely carried me along and the course was really scenic. It felt like it went by fairly quickly so while it was a bit tough with the wind it was just a beautiful course and a great atmosphere.”

The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Sunshine Coast Council through the Major Events Sponsorship Program. This program helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy, which aims to generate $86 million in economic benefit for the region through increased visitation and local spending.