Next race
Saturday, 17 April 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Ballarat Marathon draws about 2,300 finishers each May through Victoria's historic gold-rush city. The course passes Lake Wendouree, the Eureka Stockade memorial, and the Victorian-era boulevards of central Ballarat. May autumn weather in the western Victorian highlands and a rolling goldfields profile make it regional Victoria's premier marathon.
Ballarat Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 2,341 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Ballarat Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Ballarat Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at Lake Wendouree, passing the Eureka Centre, Ballarat's historic centre, and the botanical gardens. Rolling sections around the lake and through town reward controlled pacing, and community support is strongest at the lake hub and shared city-centre stretches.
Ballarat Marathon route map
The Ballarat Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 445 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
Ballarat Marathon entry requirements
The Ballarat Marathon uses open registration at ballaratmarathon.com.au with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the May race in regional Victoria typically opens early in the year. The modest field size means places usually remain available until closer to race day.
Getting there
Ballarat Marathon travel
Airports closest to Ballarat for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Geelong/Melbourne (AVV)
Melbourne Avalon International Airport
76 km / 47 mi
- Also nearby
Melbourne (MEL)
Melbourne Airport
88 km / 55 mi
Race footage
Ballarat Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Tour the Run Ballarat course with Steve Moneghetti
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Ballarat Marathon elevation profile?
- The Ballarat Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Ballarat Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Ballarat Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes the Eureka Centre, the historic city centre, and the Ballarat botanical gardens.
- How long is the Ballarat Marathon?
- The Ballarat Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Lake Wendouree.
- What time does the Ballarat Marathon start?
- The 2027 Ballarat Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 17 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Ballarat Marathon finish?
- The finish is at Lake Wendouree in the heart of Ballarat.
- Does the Ballarat Marathon pass the Eureka Stockade site?
- Yes. The Eureka Centre and stockade memorial are course highlights in the historic gold-rush city.
- When is the Ballarat Marathon?
- The race is held in May.
- Is the Ballarat Marathon flat?
- The course has gentle rolling terrain around Lake Wendouree and through the city.
- What is Ballarat weather in May?
- May is cool autumn in Victoria, typically 6–14 °C (43–57 °F).
Official resources
Ballarat Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Ballarat.
CanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia· 536 km away
Canberra Marathon
The Canberra Marathon is Australia's capital city marathon, drawing about 2,000 finishers each April around Lake Burley Griffin. The course passes Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the lake's scenic shores. April autumn weather in the bush capital and a flat lake loop make it the ACT's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027
SydneyNew South WalesAustralia· 781 km away
Sydney Marathon
The Sydney Marathon offers one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with views of the Opera House and harbour. As the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, Sydney combines iconic landmarks with a challenging but rewarding course through Australia's largest city.
Next race: Sunday, 29 August 2027
Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia· 1,389 km away
Gold Coast Marathon
The Gold Coast Marathon draws approximately 6,500 finishers on a scenic coastal road in Gold Coast, Australia. The course starts and finishes at Southport Broadwater Parklands. Very flat and fast, with no significant hills.
Next race: Sunday, 4 July 2027
BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia· 1,413 km away
Brisbane Marathon
The Brisbane Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Brisbane, Australia. The course starts and finishes at South Bank Parklands. The route crosses the Story Bridge, passes the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and follows the Brisbane River. Mostly flat with a climb on the Story Bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
MooloolabaQueenslandAustralia· 1,490 km away
Sunshine Coast Marathon
The Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba draws about 8,000 finishers each August on a fast, flat coastal course along Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The route follows the Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba Beach esplanade with Pacific Ocean views. August dry winter weather and a flat beachfront profile make it one of Australia's fastest marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.