Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne Marathon

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Mostly Flat
Open Registration

Course Profile

Difficulty
Mostly Flat
Terrainroad
Elevation Gain95m
Elevation Loss95m

Mostly flat course through Melbourne's diverse neighborhoods. Some gentle undulations but no significant hills. Fast and scenic.

Typical Weather

Temperature9°C - 18°C
Humiditymoderate

Spring weather with Melbourne's famous variability. Can experience 'four seasons in one day'. Generally good running conditions.

Registration

Entry TypeOpen Registration
Typically HeldSecond Sunday in October

Open registration with early bird pricing. No lottery required. Australia's oldest marathon. Multiple distances available.

Official Website

What Makes This Race Special

  • 1
    Australia's oldest marathon (since 1978)
  • 2
    Flat, fast course through Melbourne's best neighborhoods
  • 3
    Finish at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
  • 4
    Run along the Yarra River
  • 5
    Spring racing in the Southern Hemisphere

The Melbourne Marathon is Australia's original city marathon and remains one of the country's premier running events. With a flat course through Melbourne's diverse neighborhoods and a finish inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, it offers a uniquely Australian marathon experience.

The Course

The course loops through Melbourne's inner suburbs and along the scenic Yarra River, showcasing the city's famous laneways, parks, and cultural precincts before finishing on the hallowed turf of the MCG.

Melbourne's Best

The course highlights Melbourne's character:

  • Flinders Street (Start) - Melbourne's iconic train station
  • Royal Botanic Gardens (miles 2-4) - Beautiful parkland
  • South Yarra (miles 6-8) - Trendy inner suburb
  • Yarra River (miles 10-16) - Scenic riverside running
  • Albert Park (miles 18-21) - F1 Grand Prix circuit
  • St Kilda (miles 21-23) - Beach suburb
  • MCG (Finish) - Inside the famous stadium

Course Profile

Melbourne is one of Australia's flattest marathon courses:

  • Minimal elevation change throughout
  • Smooth, well-maintained surfaces
  • Wide roads for easy navigation
  • Ideal for personal bests and BQ attempts

Why Melbourne?

Melbourne is consistently rated one of the world's most livable cities, and the marathon showcases why. The combination of excellent coffee culture, diverse food scene, and vibrant arts community make it an ideal marathon destination.

The MCG finish is truly special - entering the famous cricket ground and finishing on the grass where Australian sporting history has been made creates an unforgettable moment.

Getting In

Melbourne uses open registration:

  • Registration opens in early in the year
  • No lottery or qualification required
  • Early bird pricing available
  • Multiple distances including marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K

Race Day Tips

  • Melbourne weather is unpredictable - Layer up and be prepared for changes
  • The Yarra River section is peaceful - Enjoy the scenery
  • Albert Park can be windy - The open lakeside location is exposed
  • The MCG finish is worth the effort - Running into the stadium is magical
  • Post-race coffee is essential - Melbourne's coffee culture is legendary

Train for Melbourne Marathon

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