What is the Canberra Marathon elevation profile?

The Canberra Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.

How long is the Canberra Marathon?

The Canberra Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes near Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin.

What time does the Canberra Marathon start?

The 2027 Canberra Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.canberramarathon.com.au/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Where does the Canberra Marathon finish?

The finish is near Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin with Parliament House views.

Does the Canberra Marathon pass Parliament House?

Yes. Parliament House and the parliamentary triangle are central to the lake loop course.

When is the Canberra Marathon?

The race is held in April (Australian autumn). Registration is at https://www.canberramarathon.com.au/.

Is the Canberra Marathon flat?

Yes. The Lake Burley Griffin loop is largely flat.

What is Canberra weather in April?

April is crisp autumn, typically 6–16 °C (43–61 °F), with cool mornings.

Canberra Marathon

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Overview

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.

Canberra Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Canberra Marathon 2027 race day

The next Canberra Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Canberra Marathon course route

The Canberra Marathon is a predominantly flat loop starting and finishing near Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin, passing Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery, and the parliamentary triangle. Minor rises away from the lakeshore are the main terrain change, and spectators cluster at Regatta Point and along the foreshore.

Canberra Marathon elevation profile

The Canberra Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Canberra Marathon uses open registration at canberramarathon.com.au with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the April race in the Australian capital typically opens early in the year. The modest field around Lake Burley Griffin means places usually remain available until closer to race day.

Canberra Marathon course videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival, presented by TCS - Course Flyover

Race Highlights The Willo Marathon | Canberra 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canberra Marathon elevation profile?: The Canberra Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Canberra Marathon?: The Canberra Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes near Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin.
What time does the Canberra Marathon start?: The 2027 Canberra Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.canberramarathon.com.au/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Canberra Marathon finish?: The finish is near Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin with Parliament House views.
Does the Canberra Marathon pass Parliament House?: Yes. Parliament House and the parliamentary triangle are central to the lake loop course.
When is the Canberra Marathon?: The race is held in April (Australian autumn). Registration is at https://www.canberramarathon.com.au/.
Is the Canberra Marathon flat?: Yes. The Lake Burley Griffin loop is largely flat.
What is Canberra weather in April?: April is crisp autumn, typically 6–16 °C (43–61 °F), with cool mornings.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Canberra.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia· 247 km awayWorld Marathon Major

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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, 30 August 2026

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The Melbourne Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers on an urban road in Melbourne, Australia. The course starts and finishes at the MCG. The route passes Federation Square, the Yarra River, St Kilda, and Albert Park. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on Yarra bridge crossings.

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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.

Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia· 906 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

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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

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