Melbourne Marathon

Melbourne Marathon course route

The Melbourne Marathon is a city loop starting and finishing at the MCG, passing Federation Square, the Yarra River, Saint Kilda, and Albert Park. The Yarra and Albert Park sections are the easiest because they stay relatively flat and scenic, while the subtle rollers and bridge approaches are the tougher links between districts; spectator support peaks at the MCG, around Federation Square, and along the Saint Kilda and Albert Park stretches.

Melbourne Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Melbourne Marathon elevation profile

The Melbourne Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 135 metres of climbing and 132 metres of descent, with a net climb of 3 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Melbourne Marathon uses open online registration at melbournemarathon.com for the October race. The field of around 6,000 finishers is allocated first-come, first-served with tiered pricing — no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up typically opens mid-year and the MCG start-finish festival course can sell out before race day.

Melbourne Marathon course video

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

2024 Nike Melbourne Marathon Course Flyover

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Melbourne Marathon elevation profile?

The Melbourne Marathon has 135 metres of total climbing and 132 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 3 metres of net climb from start to finish.

Where can I find the Melbourne Marathon route map?

This page includes a Melbourne Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at melbournemarathon.com.au/the-course/. Passes Federation Square, the Yarra River, St Kilda, and Albert Park.

How long is the Melbourne Marathon?

The Melbourne Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the MCG.

What time does the Melbourne Marathon start?

The 2026 Melbourne Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on melbournemarathon.com.au/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Does the Melbourne Marathon finish inside the MCG?

Yes. Finishing on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the race's most memorable experiences — runners enter through the players' race-day tunnel and cross the line in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

Is the Melbourne Marathon Australia's second-largest marathon?

Yes. The Melbourne Marathon is consistently ranked as Australia's second-largest marathon by finisher numbers, drawing over 6,000 marathon runners and tens of thousands of participants across all distances on race day.

Is the Melbourne Marathon course flat and fast?

Melbourne's course is among the flattest of any major Australian city marathon, with only around 135 metres of total climbing. The largely flat roads around the CBD and bayside suburbs make it well-suited to runners chasing personal bests.

What iconic landmarks does the Melbourne Marathon route pass?

The course takes runners past Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, St Kilda Road, and along the Yarra River before the iconic MCG stadium finish — offering a genuine tour of Melbourne's most celebrated sites.

Is the Melbourne Marathon a good race for a Boston Qualifying time?

Yes. The flat course combined with October's mild spring temperatures — typically 10–18 °C — creates ideal conditions for fast times, and the race is a certified road race accepted for BAA Boston Qualifying purposes.