Sunshine Coast Marathon 2026: Full Guide to Road Closures and Event Impact
The Sunshine Coast Marathon festival is set to draw more than 16,000 participants on Sunday, 2 August 2026, prompting a series of major road closures across the region. The event, which has become a highlight of the local sporting calendar, will see key thoroughfares shut from the early hours of the morning to accommodate runners and ensure safety. Among the most significant disruptions is the southbound lane of the Sunshine Motorway, which will be closed between the Pacific Paradise roundabout and south of Main Road, from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time.
The closures will affect several main roads, including Mooloolaba Esplanade, Alexandra Parade, Aerodrome Road, Brisbane Road, Bradman Avenue, and a stretch of David Low Way. In Mooloolaba, for instance, Mooloolaba Esplanade will be closed from 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM, while in Alexandra Headland, Alexandra Parade will be shut from 3:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The closures will be staggered, with some roads reopening as early as 9:00 AM and others remaining closed until mid-afternoon. For a detailed breakdown, residents and visitors can consult the council’s Roads Hub website, which provides up-to-date information on all road closures and restrictions.
The economic impact of the marathon is substantial. Matt Stoeckel, CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast, highlighted the event’s importance, stating, “It attracts thousands of competitors and supporters from across Queensland, interstate and overseas, providing a welcome boost for local businesses, including our accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators.” He also noted the strategic significance of the event, adding, “With the Sunshine Coast set to host the marathon events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, events like this play an important role in building our reputation as a world-class destination for major sporting events.”
Shimanta Das 
