Push yourself to the limits with the Coolangatta Gold

Test your physical stamina and endurance this November at the Coolangatta Gold ironman event. This year's race celebrates the event's 30th birthday, with a gruelling 42 kilometre course designed to challenge even the most hardened athletes.

The ironman event takes place between Coolangatta Beach and Broadbeach and looks set to be one of the most challenging races on the Gold Coast sports calendar this season. It's spread across two days, with the short course taking place from 7:00 a.m. on November 1 and the long course kicking off from 7:00 a.m. the following day. You can participate individually or put a team together to take on what's known as one of the most challenging races of its kind.

The short course spans a total of 32.4km, including a 14.6km ski, 2.1km run, 2.5km swim, 6.1 km surf board paddle and then another 7.1km run to finish it all off. If you're game to tackle the full 41.5km course option, you're facing a 23km ski, 1.8km run, 3.5km swim, 6.1km board and then the same 7.1km run toward the finishing line.

There are plenty of different categories to suit every competitor, including Elite Male and Elite Female sections that have up to $25,000 in prize money up for grabs. The rest are divided into age categories, though no one under 16 years can enter the long course. To be eligible for this race, you also have to have either completed the short course in the previous two years or can demonstrate the ability to complete this tough race.

Teams entered into the event must have between two and four athletes, with each leg completed by one person only. This person can, however, complete multiple legs, so if you're a natural swimmer and runner but don't suit the other components of Coolangatta Gold you may wish to team up with someone who does. You can enter mixed or single gender teams.

Your individual entry fee to the race includes competitor lycra, a swim cap, visor and singlet to commemorate your efforts, along with a medallion upon completion of the course. The younger generation can get involved in this day of fun too, with the Coolangatta Gold Youth Challenge designed specifically ocean athletes aged 11-15 years old. Kids run 400m on soft sand, then take on a 500 water course and a 500m run.

The event timetable gets underway with short and long course briefings on Friday 30 October, along with a special briefing for first aid coordinators and officials.

Where to stay

It's no secret that this is one race that will likely leave you exhausted and eager for a comfortable bed, which is where Mantra Coolangatta Beach comes in handy. It's located close enough for you to walk (or crawl, depending on how your run goes!) back after the race and settle into your air conditioned room with some pay TV. Alternatively, ease your aching muscles into the sauna or spa for some much-needed TLC before heading back to your room to post some event photos to Facebook thanks to in-room Wi-Fi internet access.

Go it alone (or with a partner) in a well appointed studio apartment, or bring the whole family with you and stay in a three bedroom apartment complete with beautiful ocean and hinterland views, full kitchen facilities for maximum convenience and two different shower options. This option also offers laundry facilities, perfect for washing those well-worn race day cossies once the Coolangatta Gold is done and dusted.