Give Your Resolutions a Mid-Year Boost At These Competitive Queensland Events
Showcasing the best live events in Queensland.
We are a quarter of the way into the new year and, by now, that all-in approach to New Year’s resolutions has likely started to fade.
Don’t give up on them yet, though. You can give your fitness goals the mid-year boost they need by signing up to partake in one of these competitive (and fun as hell) Queensland events — and enjoy the sunshine state’s amazing beaches, vibrant reefs, rainforests and hinterlands as an added bonus.
#1 Runaway Noosa Marathon
Enjoy a run under the warm winter sun on the Runaway Noosa Marathon course. Taking place on May 25, the flat, fast, and friendly multi-lap run starts and ends in sunny Noosa Heads. There are five different distances to choose from, so anyone can join the race, no matter your skill or endurance level. Or, if you want to share the load, try a team marathon — teams of four run 10.55km each, while teams of two split it down the middle, running 21km each.
While You’re There
After the race, stay in Noosa for a few extra days to explore Noosa National Park and dine at both MasterChef alumni Matt Sinclair’s restaurant, Sum Yung Guys, and the beachfront Bistro C. Don’t forget to pack your stretchy pants.
#2 Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns
Held in Tropical North Queensland, there’s good reason that the Cairns Airport IRONMAN is known as the “IRONMAN in paradise”. The 3.8km swim is balmy and tropical, the 180km ride takes you through the thick rainforest and along the stunning Cairns beaches, and the 42.2km run leads you through the vibrant heart of Cairns. Needless to say, the course has become known one of the world’s must-do IRONMAN courses.
It’s part of a multi-event festival that includes IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns (which is half the length of a standard IRONMAN course), the Quicksilver Reef Swim to Green Island, the Cairns Post Bright Night Run, and the McDonald’s IRONKIDS Cairns event.
While You’re There
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, so heading out to see the reef and surrounding islands while you’re there is a no-brainer. There are some beautiful waterfalls worth exploring in the Atherton Tablelands, just south of Cairns, too.
#3 The Gold Coast Marathon
Held over the weekend of July 6 and 7, the Gold Coast Marathon is Australia’s top road race and one of the world’s most prestigious marathons. There are eight different categories in the run, including two for para-athletes.
It sold out early last year, so get registered ASAP to avoid that FOMO.
While You’re There
Take yourself out to Miami Marketta for a street-food style dinner from all corners of the globe, then walk it off the next day on the beautiful Burleigh Heads National Park walk.
#4 Reef To Reef
The multi-stage Reef to Reef race runs over four days from August 8 to 11 and takes riders from the Coral Sea coast through to the tablelands, hinterland, farm land, and tropical rainforest of Tropical North Queensland. At 190km long and with 2525m of vertical climbing, this race is reserved for riders with a reasonable level of fitness and a decent mountain-biking skills.
If you’re pressed for time, there’s also a one-day option known as the Triple R. It boasts 55km Endurance or the 35km Classic options that coincide with the final day of the main Reef to Reef event.
While You’re There
Check out the stunning Fitzroy Island on a day tour (or a half-day reef trip if time is limited), or stay on dry land and immerse yourself in all Tjapukai Cultural Park has to offer.
#5 IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast
The IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast is a 113km swimming, biking, and running race that takes competitors along the coast of and through picturesque Mooloolaba. Happening on September 8, the event is one of the world-championship qualifiers and can be completed solo or as a part of a team.
While You’re There
Get amongst nature and go for a wander through Kondalilla National Park, before indulging in a few cold ones on a Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tour.
#6 Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival
What began as a stand-alone triathlon has now grown into a five-day, multi-sport festival. The Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is more than just the hero triathlon event – it’s sport, entertainment, sun, sea, and surf, all in one. Across the five days, there are golf events, run-swim-runs and individual swimming and running competitions. The high-profile triathlon is the pinnacle of the event, with competitors swimming, riding and running a total of 51.5km through stunning Noosa.
While You’re There
Book yourself in for a Noosa Everglades day tour with Discovery Group, or explore Queensland’s incredible produce at the Noosa Farmers Markets. Either way, you’ll be sampling the best that this idyllic seaside town has to offer.
#7 Coolangatta Gold
If you’re up for a real test of surf sport endurance and have qualified through the short course, try tackling the 41.8km-long course at the Coolangatta Gold. The grueling 23km ski, 2.1km run, 3.5km swim, 6.1km board, and final 7.1km run really pushes athletes to the limits. It’s not for everyone, so the friendlier 21km short course is an awesome way to cut your surf sport marathon teeth.
For more information, visit the website.
While You’re There
Call in to Mick Fanning’s Balter Brewery for a pint or two, or head out on the water again for a stand-up paddle boarding experience in Currumbin Creek with Go Ride a Wave.
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(Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland)
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