Every July thousands of runners convene in sunny Gold Coast for the Gold Coast Marathon. It is a two day running festival taking place during the first weekend in July. On Saturday, there are the 10k, 5.7k and 2.5k kids dash events. The main races, the half and full marathon take place on Sunday.

I was back again in 2015 to run in my 8th marathon. I also participated in the 5.7k run on Saturday. It was initially meant to be an easy run but ended up getting absorbed by the atmosphere and going all out. I finished in third place for my age group which was amazing. But I was afraid I might have over done it and might regret it the next day during the marathon. Fortunately it didn't have any impact on my marathon performance.

Being a Gold Label race, the Gold Coast Marathon is renown for providing runners with an exceptional race experience.

Expo: The Expo was held at the Convention Centre at Broadbeach over three days. The quality of the expo was excellent with the standard exhibitors from the various sports companies. Bib pickup was quick and easy. All runners received a small duffel bag with their race pack.

Race transport: The marathon started at 7.20 am in the morning from Southport beach which is about 6km from the main tourist spots of Surfers Paradise. Race transport to the start was fantastic. Several options were available to runners, either buses or trams.

Race route: The marathon route is probably one of the fastest marathon course in Australia with little or no elevation. It's approximately an out and back course. There is fantastic race support throughout the entire race route. Supporters were out cheering on the runners. The route passes the start/finish point which is approximately the 32k mark and runners get a mental boost from the cheers of supporters to push them throughout the last 10k.

Aid stations: The race is supported well with aid station every two km with either water or sports drinks. Unfortunately, gels were provided at only one aid station on the 30k mark.

Finish: All runners received an awesome finisher's medal and T-shirt.

My experience: This was my 8th marathon and my 2nd Gold Coast Marathon. I completed the race in 3:39 last year and I not only wanted to improve my time but I wanted to run a sub 3:30 which is a goal that eluded me for more than a year. I definitely felt that it was achievable this year as I felt strong and ready. I started the race fast running at a pace of 4:35/km for the first 3k. I felt comfortable at that pace but decided to slow it down to 4:45/km and managed to run at that consistent pace for 30k. I was running with a fellow Sydney Striders running club member and we paced the race well. However, I could not hold the pace after the 30k as I started to feel fatigued and slowed to about 5:00/km. I was still on pace to finish under 3:30 but tried my best not to slow down any further. The weather was getting warm and it made the running conditions tougher. I managed to push through and achieved my goal. I finished in 3:27 which is an amazing feeling.

Overall: The Gold Coast Marathon is one of the best races in Australia. It is in a great location, sunny and warm even in winter. It is an holiday destination which makes it ideal to include a short holiday after the marathon. I will be back again next year.