Part 1 — The Official Transfer Process
Brisbane Marathon uses Active.com as its registration platform, which means transfers go through Active's own portal. Both parties need an Active.com account — if the buyer doesn't have one, it's a two-minute signup before they can accept.
The process is designed so the entry legally changes hands before any money moves between runners. Here's the step-by-step:
Log in, go to "My Events", and find your Brisbane Marathon registration. Look for the Transfer option in the registration details.
Enter the buyer's email — this must be the address linked to their Active.com account. Active sends them an invitation to accept.
The buyer clicks through the email, completes the registration, and pays the race directly. Any price negotiated between runners is separate.
Both parties receive confirmation. The entry is officially transferred — the seller has no further involvement.
Use PayPal Goods & Services only — it has buyer protection. Do this after the entry is confirmed in the buyer's name, never before.
Brisbane Marathon uses Active.com. Other Australian events use Update My Entry (EMQ) or Race Roster. Always check the official race website first to confirm which portal your event uses.
Transfer Window & Deadlines
The transfer window typically closes 4–6 weeks before race day. Always check the official Brisbane Marathon website — they publish transfer deadlines in the FAQ and event updates.
The window closes earlier than most runners expect. If you know you can't run, list your entry as soon as possible — a six-week window gives a buyer enough time to prepare, which makes it far easier to sell.
A transfer processing fee is charged by Active.com, paid by the buyer when they accept. Check the Active.com portal for current fees.
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Buying and Selling Safely
If you're selling: Post proof of your entry (screenshot your confirmation, blur your personal details), state the event and distance, and direct buyers to the official Active.com process. Never accept payment before the transfer is initiated.
If you're buying: Don't pay until the entry is officially in your name via Active.com. Ask to see the confirmation screenshot first. Anyone pushing PayID or bank transfer before any official transfer has been started — walk away immediately.
Official transfer first, payment second. In that order. Every time. No exceptions.
For the complete safety guide — red flags, payment method ratings, and what to do if something goes wrong — read our safe bib transfer guide.
Part 2 — Where to Stay for Brisbane Marathon
Brisbane Marathon starts and finishes at South Bank Parklands — one of the city's best precincts, right on the river with the CBD a short walk across Victoria Bridge. This makes accommodation planning more straightforward than most Australian marathons.
The main thing to plan around is road closures. The marathon course runs through the CBD and inner suburbs — staying within walking distance of South Bank removes race morning logistics entirely.
Brisbane Marathon closes significant CBD and inner-city roads from early morning. Check the official closure map before race day. Staying in South Bank, West End, or the CBD eliminates the problem entirely.
Accommodation Zones Compared
Race Weekend Pricing
Brisbane Marathon weekend brings meaningful price uplift, though less extreme than Sydney or Melbourne due to Brisbane's large accommodation supply. South Bank properties fill 3–4 months out — book early.
| Zone | Normal rate | Race weekend | Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Bank | A$160–220/night | A$240–380/night | ~1.5–1.7× |
| Brisbane CBD | A$130–190/night | A$190–300/night | ~1.4–1.6× |
| West End | A$100–160/night | A$150–240/night | ~1.4–1.5× |
| Kangaroo Point | A$90–140/night | A$130–200/night | ~1.3–1.4× |
BibBuddy lists spare rooms and shared stays hosted by runners who get it — 4:30am alarms, gear laid out the night before, no awkward check-in questions. Launching soon.
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Runner-hosted accommodation for Brisbane Marathon weekend. Join the waitlist to be notified when we launch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I can't run Brisbane Marathon?
Brisbane Marathon's policy is typically no-refund but transfer-allowed. Check your registration terms. If refunds aren't available, a bib transfer is usually your best option to recover some entry cost.
Is Brisbane Marathon a good first marathon?
Yes — one of the better first-marathon options in Australia. The course is relatively flat, the support is strong, and South Bank is a spectacular finish location. August timing means cooler temperatures, though Brisbane humidity can still be a factor in the morning.
How do I get to South Bank from Brisbane Airport?
The Airtrain runs direct from the airport to South Bank station in about 25 minutes. A taxi or rideshare takes 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
What distances does Brisbane Marathon offer?
Brisbane Marathon typically offers a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), and 10km. Check the official website for current year distances.