"I'm really looking forward to it," says de Rozario, 25, who bagged double gold in the Women's 1500m T54 and the Women's Marathon T54 at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games before backing up her success and winning the 2018 Gold Coast Wheelchair Marathon in July.

"It was so exciting racing at the Comm Games. It was the first time I had raced on the road and I hadn't done the Marathon previously either," says the Perth native, who is coached by former wheelchair paralympian Louise Savauge.

"And, then, coming back to race the Gold Coast Marathon a few months later was really cool because it was nostalgic and the vibe and the energy was the same as it was for the Comm Games - you don't get that for every race and in every city, so I am really excited to get back for it."

Now in it's 41st year and awarded Gold Label status from the international Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Gold Coast Marathon is regarded as one of the premier destination marathons in the world - ranked right up there with the Boston and New York Marathons. And, competitors wanting to be eligible for the Boston Marathon can even run a qualifier on the Goldie.

"The Gold Coast Marathon truly is a world class event," says Acting Gold Coast City Mayor Donna Gates. "Not only does the event provide a boost to our local economy, it also provides the opportunity for participants from around the world to experience the Gold Coast firsthand.

"Our pristine beaches and beautiful Broadwater provide a scenic course - it's no surprise the Gold Coast Marathon is on so many peoples bucket list."

With last year's capacity of 6,500 athletes a sell-out a month out from the event, Marathon organisers have upped the ante this year to accommodate 8,000 competitors.

Famous for its flat, fast and scenic route along the city's renowned surf strip, organisers have made a course change this year - aimed at cutting congestion and giving competitors more room to move - and Hedges Avenue will now be a one-way track heading north.

Offering ideal winter running conditions featuring low humidity, little wind and mild temperatures, 60% of all participants chalk up personal best times at The Gold Coast Marathon.

It's the only Australian event on de Rozario's international calendar this year and she is hoping she can better her last year's time of 1:48:21 - the second fastest ever in the wheelchair event.

"The course is beautiful so it's always a lot of fun," says de Rozario, who last year also became the first Australian woman to win the London Wheelchair Marathon. "That stunning view along the Gold Coast beaches can be quite distracting but not quite enough to distract me from my goal."

This feature has been produced in collaboration with the City of Gold Coast

Australian Associated Press