Perth Marathon
Next race
Sunday, 11 October 2026
6:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 187 m gain
187 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Perth Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers on an urban road in Perth, Australia. The course starts and finishes at Optus Stadium, with the marathon finish on stadium turf. The route follows Burswood Park and the Swan River foreshore. Mostly flat with minor rises along the river.
Perth Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 6,000 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:11:45 — Joshua Kiprotich (2022)
Course & terrain
Perth Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Perth Marathon is a Swan River loop starting at Optus Stadium and finishing on the stadium turf, following Burswood Park and the Swan River foreshore. The riverside flats are the easiest because they stay smooth and level, while exposed foreshore wind and the final run into the stadium are the tougher sections; crowd support is strongest at Optus Stadium, along the Swan River foreshore, and in the finish precinct on the turf.
Perth Marathon route map
The Perth Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 187 metres of climbing and 187 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 187 m gain — approx. 34 m above sea level
↑ 187 m · ↓ 187 m · net 0 m
Registration
Perth Marathon entry requirements
For the Perth Marathon, yes. The Perth Running Festival Marathon is a certified road race and results submitted from it are accepted as Boston Qualifying times by the BAA, provided the certification is current at the time of your race.
Getting there
Perth Marathon travel
Airports closest to Perth for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Perth International Airport (PER)
10 km / 6 mi
Race footage
Perth Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
12 km course - Chevron City to Surf for Activ Perth - Elevation Profile and Terrain Map
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Perth Marathon elevation profile?
- The Perth Marathon has 187 metres of total climbing and 187 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Perth Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Perth Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows Burswood Park and the Swan River foreshore.
- What time does the Perth Marathon start?
- The 2026 Perth Marathon starts at 6:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Perth Running Festival Marathon course follow the Swan River?
- Yes. A highlight of the Perth Running Festival Marathon is its route along the Swan River foreshore, offering runners stunning water views and a scenic out-and-back stretch through some of Perth's most picturesque parklands.
- Why is October a good time to run the Perth Marathon?
- October is Western Australia's spring, bringing mild temperatures typically between 12 °C and 22 °C, low humidity, and extended daylight — ideal conditions for a fast marathon effort after the cool winter training block.
- Is the Perth Running Festival Marathon a good race for a personal best?
- The mostly flat Swan River course with minimal elevation gain makes it one of Australia's most PB-friendly marathons, and the spring conditions often allow runners to target their goal times comfortably.
- What other distances run alongside the Perth Marathon on festival day?
- The Perth Running Festival is a multi-distance event, typically including a half marathon, 10 km, and fun run, creating a large festive atmosphere with thousands of participants across all race categories.
- Is the Perth Running Festival Marathon sanctioned for Boston Qualifier times?
- Yes. The Perth Running Festival Marathon is a certified road race and results submitted from it are accepted as Boston Qualifying times by the BAA, provided the certification is current at the time of your race.
Official resources
Perth 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 Perth.
YogyakartaIndonesia· 2,748 km away
Mandiri Jogja Marathon
The Mandiri Jogja Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each June on a cultural heritage road in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is Indonesia's most culture-forward major marathon, built around the Jogja heritage landscape. The route passes village roads, rice fields, and temple-country scenery around Prambanan and greater Jogja. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 20 June 2027
CanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia· 3,088 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
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.