Image adapted from: @gcmarathon
Completing a marathon is no easy feat, making it a common bucket list item. But if you’ve already checked off the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon from your list, why not set your sights a little further Down Under? Mark the Gold Coast Marathon in your running calendar, happening 4th & 5th July 2020.
With only a 2 hour time difference from Singapore, Gold Coast is an ideal place for an overseas marathon, especially if it’s your first time. Participants also get to choose from a Full Marathon (42KM), a Half Marathon (21KM), a 10KM course and a 5.7KM Fun Run. Aside from this, we’ve also sussed out other reasons why the Gold Coast Marathon is miles ahead of other overseas marathons.
If you’ve ever run outdoors in Singapore, you’ll know that the heat and humidity rapidly dehydrate your body, and hinder your endurance performance. After all, it’s one thing to run in the gym, but a whole other ballgame when you’ve got to run under scorching midday heat for hours.
You can even race in a onesie!
Image credit: Ming Ham
Gold Coast’s 8-16 degree weather will help you conserve energy and stay hydrated for a longer period of time. You got to admit, cooler temperatures make running more enjoyable and it might even help make you develop a deeper passion for the sport .
Image credit: @evangeois
In Singapore, most marathons are situated around the same area and you might have even travelled along the same route on your way to work or school each day. So take this overseas challenge as a break from what you’re used to.
Besides ideal running conditions of low humidity and minimal wind, the marathon course also feature flat terrain and stunning views of the adjacent renowned beaches. It’s no wonder that 60% of participants achieve personal best timings every year.
Image credit: @runsohfast
If you’re an aspiring marathoner, you might have heard of our resident athlete and 2-time SEA Games long-distance champion, Soh Rui Yong. Having conquered the Gold Coast Half Marathon himself, here are some “marathon tips” he has to share:
Running a marathon might seem intimidating to some, but according to Rui Yong, all it takes is a little conditioning.
Rui Yong: Physical stamina, muscle- and skeletal-endurance, and a good fighting spirit all go into the making of a good runner – thankfully, even if you lack any one of these, you can still grow and nurture them through proper training.
It’s never too early to start training – for instance, if you’re gunning for the Gold Coast Marathon, now is a good time to start. Start slow, increase your long run by 2 to 4KM every week, and increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10% every week.
By the time you’re 3 weeks from the big race, your longest clocked-in run should be about 30 to 32KM. From there, you can start to taper down gradually.
Image credit: Ming Ham
Rui Yong: I usually train at Bedok Reservoir because the softer gravel is more forgiving than road or concrete sidewalks. There is less impact, and it’s great for recovery runs.
On the flip side, it’s also good to fit occasional training and recovery running sessions around places with harder ground into your routine. For a more challenging terrain, you could try MacRitchie or Lower Pierce Reservoir.
Aiming too hard for your personal goals might set you up for a disappointing run. Rui Yong shares that a positive attitude should be at the top of your packing list.
Rui Yong: One of my most memorable takeaways from last year’s Gold Coast Marathon was helping a Japanese professional runner set a new personal best.
In the beginning, I wasn’t running my best, and a Japanese runner overtook me. But instead of letting my usual competitive nature take control, I decided to run with her and encourage her for the rest of the race. And though I didn’t perform as well as I would’ve liked, she eventually went on to shave about 1-2 minutes off from her previous personal best – it was a great feeling, being able to share her joy and celebrate her success with her.
Image credit: @runsohfast
After running the marathon, you’d probably want to just take a chill pill and treat yourself for completing the run. In Gold Coast, there’s an endless list of relaxing activities you can indulge in that are not only enjoyable but give your worn-out muscles a break.
Image credit: Soh Rui Yong
From Kangaroos and Capybaras to sleepy Koalas, Australia boasts a wide range of exotic animals and you can find them all at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is also 1 of the 2 states in Australia where you get to cuddle a Koala. Let’s face it, who can say no to petting those furry friends!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin Queensland 4223, Australia
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM, Daily
Image credit: BMD Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Supporters Club
The BMD Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club, just a stone’s throw away from Surfer’s Paradise, offers you an unobstructed view of the Gold Coast coastline. They also serve freshly brewed Carlton Draught Tank Beer and their popular Bradnam Burger – great for a post-run meal.
Besides taking in the ocean breeze, you could also opt for some bonding time with your new race mates in their game room.
BMD Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club
Address: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217
Opening Hours:
Bistro
Breakfast: 7.30AM-11AM | Lunch: 11.30AM-2.30PM | Afternoon Menu: 2.30PM-5PM | Dinner: 5PM-9PM
Bar
10AM-12AM, Daily
Image credit: @godzilla_mommy
If you’ve never been on a yacht before, this is your chance to rent one for cheap. You’ll get to take in the beautiful seascape of Gold Coast in all its glory. And while you’re at it, sip on your favourite drinks or savour a tasty cheese platter – because you deserve it.
Image credit: @whalesinparadise
As the Marathon is held in July, it’ll coincide with the whale watching season. In fact, Gold Coast – Whales in Paradise guarantees 100% daily sightings of the beautiful Humpback whales. If you’ve only ever seen these amazing marine creatures on Animal Planet and always dreamt of being up close with one, this is the activity for you.
Image credit: Gold Coast Marathon
Taking part in a marathon in Singapore is one thing but running in a marathon overseas is a whole new experience. If you’ve always dreamt of participating in an overseas marathon, this is your chance to check that off your list. Who knows – you might even shave a few minutes off your personal best.
A fuss-free marathon, golden beaches and a wide range of out-to-sea adventures, Gold Coast could very well become your annual getaway vacation.
This post was brought to you by Tourism and Events Queensland.
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