Brisbane Marathon Announces Historic One-Lap Course for 2027
The Brisbane Marathon is set for its biggest evolution in its 35-year history, with event organisers announcing a new one-lap course for 2027 and beyond. The 2027 event will take place on Sunday 6 June 2027, with the new course designed to showcase more of Brisbane while creating capacity for the event to continue its rapid growth.
Unveiled on Wednesday 9 September alongside the Felons Run Club at Howard Smith Wharves, the announcement was made in front of 500 local runners and marks a major step forward for one of Queensland’s fastest-growing participation events. The new one-lap course will start and finish at the City Botanic Gardens, taking runners through the heart of Brisbane and along the Brisbane River, with the iconic Story Bridge and city skyline providing standout backdrops along the route.
"Runners will take on the City Botanic Gardens, the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge before hitting Coronation Drive for the first time since the 1982 Commonwealth Games"
For the first time since the 1982 Commonwealth Games, Coronation Drive will be closed to traffic to allow marathon runners to take over one of Brisbane’s most recognisable roads. The new course will also allow the Brisbane Marathon to increase capacity from a record 16,500 participants in 2026 to 20,000 participants in 2027.
The 2026 event generated an estimated 17,500 visitor nights and injected $4.5 million into the Queensland economy, with the expanded event expected to further increase the economic and visitor benefits generated by the Brisbane Marathon in the years ahead. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the new one-lap course would put Brisbane on show as the event builds towards 2032.
"Runners will take on the City Botanic Gardens, the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge before hitting Coronation Drive for the first time since the 1982 Commonwealth Games," Cr Schrinner said. "It's hard to imagine a better course to showcase Australia's lifestyle capital. "With capacity growing to 20,000 runners in 2027, this event helps back local businesses and gives Brisbane residents another great event to enjoy right on their doorstep."
"It's hard to imagine a better course to showcase Australia's lifestyle capital."
Atlas Events Managing Director Jason Crowther said the new course marked a major step forward for the Brisbane Marathon, positioning the event for significant growth in the years ahead. “This turns Brisbane into a world-class marathon and we can't wait to welcome around 20,000 runners to next year's event,” Crowther said.
“The last time Coronation Drive was closed from a marathon was back in 1982, when Robert de Castella won the Commonwealth Games here. There have been closures for other events but not for a marathon since then. Working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Council and major stakeholders to make that happen has been an 18 month process. Thank you to everyone involved. “This is going to put Brisbane on par with other Australian events. Sydney Marathon has lifted the way we look at marathons now; they’ve done a phenomenal job. That’s what we want for Brisbane. Whether you’re running it, or volunteering, or supporting, come down and get around the running community.”
“This turns Brisbane into a world-class marathon and we can't wait to welcome around 20,000 runners to next year's event”
Felons Run Club Organiser Katie Dall said the growth of events such as the Brisbane Marathon reflected the strength and accessibility of Brisbane's running culture.
“It’s great to be here today with the Brisbane running community for this announcement. It’s a great development for Brisbane and for the wider community. Having the one-lap course not only attracts those elite level runners, but also first timers,” Dall said.
“It connects us with more of the amazing Brisbane landmarks and taking it back to Coronation Drive for the first time since 1982, that’s really special and a great way to link it back to the history of Brisbane. “There’s a lot of excitement following the announcement from our running community. We have a lot of people interested in getting into the longer distances. The growth of running in Brisbane is creating more excitement around the longer events and being inspired to do them. This announcement of the one lap course is going to attract even more. “I would like to think it’s going to put Brisbane Marathon on the map. I think it will become a highlight on the calendar that people will come to each year.”
"Having the one-lap course not only attracts those elite level runners, but also first timers"
The Brisbane Marathon Festival will once again offer a full suite of participation events alongside the marathon, with half-marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km events giving runners of all ages and abilities the opportunity to be part of race day. The Brisbane Marathon Festival is supported by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
The full 2027 Brisbane Marathon course can be viewed here. For more information or to register, visit the official Brisbane Marathon Festival website.
For media enquiries, interview requests or accreditation information, please contact:
Tom Falco
Media & Content Consultant
Brisbane Marathon Festival
+61 422 529 495
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