Gold Coast Marathon 2026 Full Race Vlog | 42.2KM Marathon Journey | Mighty Mark Runner

GOLD COAST MARATHON 2026 | Full Race Vlog | Incredible Crowd Support, Tough Finish & YOU KNOW THE VIBES! The 2026 Gold Coast Marathon was a race I'll never forget. This wasn't an all-out PB attempt. My main goal for the year is the Melbourne Marathon, but I came to the Gold Coast to race hard, soak up the incredible atmosphere, and enjoy one of Australia's greatest running events. This was my 6th marathon overall, my 2nd Gold Coast Marathon, and my 3rd marathon of 2026. The race started brilliantly. I felt strong through the opening 25 km and everything was going to plan until around the 32 km mark. For the first time in my marathon journey, severe leg cramps hit. They forced me to slow down, stop several times, and dig deeper than ever before just to reach the finish line. It wasn't the result I wanted, but finishing in 3:27:09 reminded me why I love this sport. What I'll remember most wasn't the cramps... It was YOU. The support on the Gold Coast was absolutely unbelievable. Thousands of spectators lined the course and so many people recognised me from the channel. 🔥 "MIGHTY MARK!" 🔥 "YOU KNOW THE VIBES!" Hearing those words, seeing your signs, high-fives and smiles gave me the strength to keep moving when every step hurt. Thank you to everyone who cheered me on—you made this race unforgettable. 💙 This marathon was about something much bigger than running. I ran to raise money for Kidney Health Australia, and this cause is deeply personal. My brother Andrew was diagnosed with renal failure after suddenly collapsing. He's now been on dialysis for over a year while waiting for a life-changing kidney transplant. Thanks to this incredible community, we've raised over $1,040, smashing my original $500 goal. Every donation helps support Australians living with kidney disease. Thank you to everyone who donated or shared the fundraiser. Running has also helped save my own life. I've battled mental health challenges, and I'm incredibly proud to say I've now been over three years sober and free from drugs and substance abuse. Every marathon reminds me how far I've come, and I hope my journey encourages others to never give up. Most importantly, all glory goes to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I truly don't believe I would be here today. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13 🙏 To God be all the glory. 🎥 Race Footage Credit: Portions of this video include footage from the official Gold Coast Marathon live broadcast. Huge thanks to the organisers for their outstanding coverage. 📊 Race Stats 🏅 Gold Coast Marathon 2026 ⏱️ 3:27:09 📏 42.2 km ⚡ 4:52/km ❤️ 156 bpm 👣 184 spm Now it's time to recover, build stronger, and chase my biggest goal of the year... ‪@GCMarathon‬ ‪@kidneyhealth‬ ‪@melbmara‬ 🏃 Melbourne Marathon 2026. 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe to Mighty Mark Runner 📤 Share with your running mates. Thank you for believing in me... YOU KNOW THE VIBES! ❤️🏃‍♂️ #GoldCoastMarathon #GoldCoastMarathon2026 #Marathon #Running #RunningVlog #MightyMarkRunner #MelbourneMarathon #GCM2026 #MarathonTraining #Garmin #KidneyHealthAustralia #mentalhealth #Recovery #Faith #JesusChrist #Philippians413 #YouKnowTheVibes