The Melbourne Marathon Festival returns on Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October 2026, bringing tens of thousands of runners and spectators into the heart of the city. It is one of Australia's most iconic races, but this year there is a bit of a shakeup and we cover all of the details here. 

This guide covers confirmed 2026 details for runners, teams and spectators.

When Is the Melbourne Marathon 2026?

Saturday 10 October 2026
Sunday 11 October 2026

All major distances start on Batman Avenue and finish inside the MCG.

2026 Event Schedule and Start Times

Where Does the Race Start and Finish?

Start Line:
Batman Avenue near Rod Laver Arena

Finish Line:
Inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground

All distances finish on the MCG turf, one of the defining features of this event.

What Is Changing in 2026?

Organisers have described 2026 as a new era for the festival, including:

• A faster, flatter marathon course
• Approximately 20 percent reduction in elevation gain
• Around 30 percent fewer turns
• Five hours of exclusive course access for marathon runners
• Expanded marathon field capacity of 20,000
• Total weekend participation targeting 66,000 runners

Ballot demand for 2026 exceeded 52,000 entries, with more than 30,000 securing a start line place.

We are seemingly in an era where road races & marathons alike are increasinly looking for flatter courses as a drawcard. Why? Well, many runners are looking for PB's. Flatter courses mean more PB's.

This year sees 20% less elevation in the new course, and much fewer turns, both of which will play a big role in faster times.

Dan (@hurlz0) handing out free socks at last years expo

Entry Fees and Inclusions

Nike Melbourne Marathon:
Australian Residents: $205
International Residents: $280
Includes medal, electronic timing, e-certificate and finisher tee

Nike Wheelchair Marathon:
Australian Residents: $205
International Residents: $280
Includes medal, electronic timing and e-certificate

Nike Half Marathon:
Australian Residents: $165
International Residents: $220
Includes medal, electronic timing and e-certificate

SriLankan Airlines 10km:
Entry fee listed on registration portal (approx $70-80)
Includes medal and electronic timing

Dairy Farmers 5km:
Entry fee listed on registration portal
Includes medal and electronic timing

Chobani Fit 3km:
Entry fee listed on registration portal
Includes medal

Bupa Mini Marathon:
Entry fee listed on registration portal
Includes medal

How Does the Ballot Work?

Demand for 2026 exceeded available marathon places.

If successful in the ballot, runners receive confirmation and payment processing instructions. Availability for other distances is subject to capacity.

What Is Club 42?

Club 42 is a limited premium marathon experience capped at 42 runners.

Inclusions include;
Two-night stay at Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Premium race weekend hosting
Curated inclusions and hospitality access

It is designed for runners seeking a more exclusive race experience.

Where Is the Runners Expo?

Location:
External concourse of the MCG between Gates 2 and 3

Opening Hours
Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday 7:30am to 2:00pm

Bib collection occurs at the Expo during these hours. You can also have your bib mailed to you for a fee.

Our set-up at last years Melbourne Marathon expo

What Is the Race Week Office?

Location:
Outside Gate 2 of the MCG

Services Available:
Downgrades subject to availability
Replacement bib collection
General enquiries

Hours:
Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday from 5:30am

No bib collection is available on Sunday. Sunday services are for general enquiries only.

Pacers and Preferred Starts

Pacers are available for the marathon.

Runners do not need to register in advance. Look for pacing signage at the start line.

Preferred start applications must include verified race results. Applications for 2026 open later in the year.

Race Day Logistics

Transport
Public transport is strongly recommended.
Key access points include Jolimont Station and Richmond Station.

Parking
Limited parking available around the MCG and Yarra Park. From experience, your best chance of parking is pre-booking parking in the CBD area and walking over, or parking in near by suburbs such as East Melbourne, Collingwood or Fitzroy and using the journey over as your warm-up!

Drop and Go
Two designated Drop and Go locations operate for runner access.

Warm Clothing
Warm clothing bag drop services are available at designated areas near the start precinct.

Road Closures

Extensive road closures occur across the CBD, St Kilda Road precinct and surrounding parklands during race weekend.

Traffic information and detailed closure maps are published closer to the event.

Teams

Teams allow groups of friends, workplaces or clubs to run under a shared team name.

Team captains register the team during entry and invite members to join. Team participation can increase motivation and provide a shared meeting point on race day.

Sustainability

The festival has introduced compostable cups at on-course drink stations.

Additional sustainability initiatives are incorporated into event operations across the weekend. As always, if you're looking to minimise your impact, carry your own water on course.

Spectator Guide

Best Viewing Areas
Start line precinct along Batman Avenue
MCG finish line - you can't beat this.

Tips for Spectators
Arrive early
Expect significant crowds
Use public transport
Agree on a post race meeting location
Allow extra time to move between viewing points

The MCG finish delivers one of the most memorable spectator moments in Australian distance running.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Melbourne Marathon start in 2026?
6:15am on Sunday 11 October 2026.

Where is the start line?
Batman Avenue near Rod Laver Arena.

Where is the finish line?
Inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

When is the Expo open?
Thursday to Sunday of race week during published hours.

Can I collect my bib on race morning?
No. Bib collection closes before race day. Sunday services are for enquiries only.

Are there pacers?
Yes. Marathon pacers are available at the start line.

What is the minimum age for the marathon?
18 years old.