Coolangatta Gold

The Coolangatta Gold is a world-class Ironman event that is held in the beautiful Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta each year.

As one of the most challenging endurance races in surf lifesaving, the Coolangatta Gold now attracts hundreds of participants each year.

The race originally started when it was created as part of a 1980’s film about surf lifesaving. It was so popular that the organisers created a real event with a $20,000 prize for those competing.

The Long Course is designed for the endurance surf sport competitor who is up for the Ultimate Challenge. A gruelling 41.8km that covers the Gold Coast strip from Coolangatta to Broadbeach, testing athletes to their limit. Compete as an individual U19 to 50+ or part of a team.

The Short Course is designed for the everyday endurance athlete that commands the best. With 21km of surf sport endurance action, this new look course includes all legs arriving in and out of Coolangatta Beach allowing for increased engagement with fans and a great atmosphere to help cheer you on. Compete as an individual U19 to 50+ or part of a team.

This Youth Challenge is especially designed for our aspiring lifesavers and future ocean and beach event competitors (under 11’s to under 16’s) who are up for a challenge and keen to be part of the main event experience. The course consists of a 250m soft sand run, a 350m swim, 550m run, 450m board and then a 150m run to conclude at the elite finish arch.

The 2022 Shaw and Partners Financial Services Coolangatta Gold introduced a new addition to the iconic weekend. The Downwind Paddle covers a 15km course, finishing at Coolangatta, featuring competition on Ocean Skis, Surf Spec Skis and Double Skis. The Downwind Paddle will be held again during the 2023 Shaw and Partners Financial Services Coolanagtta Gold on Saturday, 14 October.

Competitors do not need to be a member of a particular club to compete but must be over 16 years of age to compete in individual events. Team entries are also permitted with 2-4 competitors consisting of female, male or mixed teams.

For spectators, get down to the beach early, as the race starts in the water at 7:30am.

So come on and show your support for the athletes in this challenging endurance race and enjoy the beautiful beachside scenery along the Gold Coast.