A Coastal Classic at Full Sprint

WORDS: Brian Usher PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - www.usherusher.com 0412 910 857

Currumbin Gift Delivers Summer Spectacle at Salk Oval

The Currumbin Gift Foot Race was held on 3 January 2026 at Salk Oval in Palm Beach, drawing athletes, families and spectators for one of the Gold Coast’s most anticipated summer sporting events. Set against warm coastal conditions, the historic sprint carnival once again transformed the oval into a hub of competition and community, continuing a tradition that has long been woven into the region’s sporting fabric.

Runners from across Queensland and interstate competed in a full program of handicap races, with the iconic Gift events showcasing speed, strategy and finely balanced handicapping. From emerging juniors to seasoned professionals, the fields delivered close finishes and thrilling performances, with the crowd lining the track deep into the afternoon to cheer on their favourites.

Beyond the racing, the Currumbin Gift maintained its reputation as a true family-friendly festival. Food stalls, local clubs and sponsors contributed to a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere, while the Palm Beach setting reinforced the event’s unique blend of elite athletics and laid-back coastal culture. As the final races were run and presentations concluded, the 2026 edition stood as another successful chapter in the long and proud history of the Currumbin Gift.