The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival returns on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with more than 40,000 runners expected across seven distances from a 1km kids race to the full 42.195km marathon finishing inside the MCG.
Contents
Quick Summary — Melbourne Marathon Festival 2026
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 11 October 2026 |
| Location | Melbourne CBD, finishing at MCG |
| Distances | Marathon (42.195km), Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, 2.5km Walk, 1km Kids Race, Wheelchair Marathon |
| Start Line | Batman Avenue, near Rod Laver Arena |
| Finish Line | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) |
| Registration | Marathon and Half Marathon ballot now closed — check melbournemarathon.com.au for other distances |
| Road Closures | St Kilda Rd, Flinders Street Bridge, Southbank, Fitzroy St |
| Transport | Free CBD trams, extra trains to Richmond and Jolimont |
| Spectators | Free MCG entry to cheer finishers |
When is the Melbourne Marathon 2026?
The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival runs across two days in 2026 — 10 and 11 October, which is new. The main marathon and most distances run on Sunday, 11 October. Start times will be confirmed on the official website closer to the event.
What races are available in 2026?
Seven events are on the program: the full marathon (42.195km), wheelchair marathon, half marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, a walk event, and a 1km kids race. The kids’ race is new for 2026.
The half-marathon also runs in the opposite direction this year, which opens up wider running lanes and lets half-marathon runners watch the marathon finish from inside the MCG before their own race starts.
How do I register for the Melbourne Marathon 2026?
This is where 2026 is different. The marathon and half-marathon are entered by ballot, and that ballot is now closed.
If you missed it, there are still a few ways to run for a registered charity (minimum $2,000 raised), qualify through the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, or join via a travel package.
Check the official site for what’s still available. Shorter distances, including the 10km, 5km walk, and kids race, have their own registration process separate from the ballot.
The 2025 prices listed on this page are no longer current. Fees for 2026 are higher across all distances — check melbournemarathon.com.au for current pricing before registering.
What is the course like?
The course starts on Batman Avenue and takes in Flinders Street Station, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake and the St Kilda foreshore before finishing with a lap inside the MCG. It’s predominantly flat, which makes it a popular choice for runners chasing a personal best. The course is AIMS-certified.
Road closures on marathon day
Expect significant disruptions around St Kilda Road, Flinders Street Bridge, Southbank and Fitzroy Street from early morning. Trains to Richmond or Jolimont and the free CBD tram zone are the easiest options. If you’re driving, allow extra time and check VicRoads for the confirmed closure map closer to October.
Best places to watch
- Inside the MCG – free entry, the atmosphere at the finish is hard to beat
- St Kilda Esplanade – busy and good for watching the mid-race stretch
- Albert Park Lake – quieter, good for families
- Federation Square – works well if you want to be in the CBD
After the race
Southbank restaurants along the Yarra are a natural post-race stop. St Kilda Beach is 20 minutes away if the runners in your group want to stretch out somewhere quieter.
The Sunday markets in the CBD usually run on the same day if you want to wander.