A thrill and excitement as you reach the finish line at the Melbourne Marathon
The Melbourne Marathon is an unforgettable and exciting stage for runners who run through the beautiful cityscape and challenge their own limits.
Runners who run at a pace of over 5 hours can participate with peace of mind. We will support you to finish safely and on time by changing the course. The course branches at the 22km point and a circular route is added on Brunton Avenue, but the finish line is the same MCG!
Run through the historic city with enthusiastic support from the roadside and aim for the finish line. The sense of accomplishment after finishing the run will be an irreplaceable treasure.
The Melbourne Marathon is a place where all runners, from beginners to veterans, can shine towards their own goals. Experience this excitement for yourself!
Melbourne Marathon: Experience the excitement and thrills of a blissful 42.195km race through the city’s tourist attractions
The Melbourne Marathon, held every October, is a major event that attracts many runners from both inside and outside of Australia, and is held in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia. In the refreshing season when you can feel the breath of new greenery, and in perfect conditions with a maximum temperature of 20°C and a minimum temperature of 9°C, you will run through a course that condenses the charm of Melbourne.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The iconic journey begins on Batman Avenue (150m North of Rod Laver Arena) in the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct. The early start time is designed to take advantage of the morning’s cool air, setting the stage for a fast race. The course is largely flat, providing runners with an excellent opportunity to settle into their pace right from the beginning.
Sights along the way
The Melbourne Marathon course is celebrated for its blend of city landmarks and beautiful coastal scenery.
・0-11 km: The race starts near the Melbourne Park sporting complex and quickly moves towards the picturesque Albert Park Lake, which features a Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. The flat, tree-lined path around the lake offers an early, steady rhythm for runners.
・12-24 km: After leaving the park, runners head towards the bay, traversing the seaside suburb of St Kilda. This section includes the scenic St Kilda Beach foreshore and Point Ormond, offering stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the opportunity to feel the refreshing sea breeze. The relatively flat nature of the course continues here, maintaining the fast-paced environment.
・25-39 km: The middle to later stages of the race take runners back toward the city, passing through historical landmarks like Flinders Street Station, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Arts Centre. While the course is generally flat, some minor undulations or bridges may require focused effort. The city sections are often filled with increasing crowds of spectators, who provide a crucial energy boost.
・40 km to the finish: In the final kilometers, runners turn onto Olympic Boulevard, with the finish line in sight. This section is a straight shot towards the grand finale. The anticipation builds as runners enter the final stretch leading directly into the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Finish point
Finish with a triumphant lap of honour inside the magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)! The unparalleled sense of accomplishment of completing Australia’s premier marathon and crossing the line inside this world-famous stadium will be the ultimate reward.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference: The Melbourne Marathon course is famous for being fast and flat. Unlike marathons with significant bridge or hill climbs, this course has minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for achieving a personal best (PB). The highest point is around 30m, and the total elevation gain is small, contributing to its reputation as a quick course.
・Weather: Held in mid-October, Melbourne often provides ideal spring running conditions. The average temperature typically ranges from 12-20°C, offering cool mornings that warm up to pleasant running temperatures, perfect for optimal performance.
Participants’ comments
・ “The atmosphere was incredible, especially running around the MCG track to the finish!”
・ “A perfect course for a PB. I loved how flat it was.”
・ “Running along the St Kilda foreshore was a beautiful and refreshing change of scenery.”
・ “The finish inside the MCG is something every runner should experience once.”
・ “The support near the city was fantastic. The spectators really cheered us on.”
・ “I felt powerful running into the MCG. It was the best feeling of my life.”
・ “The organization was seamless, and the early start was great for the temperature.”
・ “Seeing the iconic city landmarks made the 42km fly by.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Melbourne Marathon is to take full advantage of the early, flat kilometers around Albert Park Lake to establish a consistent, fast pace. Maintain this rhythm through the scenic St Kilda section. As you return towards the city, focus on conserving energy for the final push. Since the course is generally flat, avoiding any unnecessary early surges is critical for a strong finish. Remember to anticipate the increasing spectator support in the final stages and use it to power your triumphant lap inside the MCG.
The Melbourne Marathon is a 42.195km journey of speed and triumph. Run with thousands of passionate runners through the vibrant streets of Melbourne, and experience the ultimate high of finishing your race in a globally celebrated sporting arena.
2025 Melbourne Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 12, 2025
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time:-
MEN
1: Jack Rayner: 2:15:01
2: Steven Mckenna: 2:16:41
3: Fraser Darcy: 2:17:38
4: Jo Fukuda: 2:17:58
5: Bailey Murzecki-Hince: 2:18:08
6: Michael Tosin: 2:18:31
7: Abdi Rhoble: 2:18:51
8: Robert Killmier: 2:20:40
9: Colm Fitzgerald: 2:21:18
10: Cameron Merrick: 2:21:53
WOMEN
1: Caitlin Adams: 2:30:25
2: Sarah Klein: 2:35:59
3: Milly Clark: 2:37:39
4: Greer Wilson: 2:37:55
5: Isobel Hume: 2:38:56
6: Nikki Curry: 2:41:08
7: Ingrid Cree: 2:42:47
8: Samantha Danckert: 2:43:01
9: Erika Florez: 2:44:50
10: Ciara Ward: 2:45:16
2026 Melbourne Marathon
Join the thousands of runners who will take on this fast and flat 42.195km course in the sporting capital of Australia. Aim for your PB and experience an unforgettable finish inside the MCG!
・Location: Batman Avenue (150m North of Rod Laver Arena)
・Date and time: October 11, 2026
・Start time: 6:30am
Melbourne: Feast your senses with delicious food and stunning views
Located in the southeast of Australia, Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and continues to attract visitors with its sophisticated atmosphere and diverse charm. Here, we will fully introduce the charm of this city from various aspects such as art, food culture, nature, architecture, and sports.
Melbourne is also known as the “cultural capital of Australia”, and art is alive in every corner of the city. There are thriving museums, theaters, and music scenes, and street art in particular is part of the city’s identity. The colorful murals painted on the back alleys give you a sense of Melbourne’s unique creative energy.
Melbourne’s diverse food culture, where you can enjoy flavors from all over the world, is also a major attraction. In particular, its coffee culture is world-famous, and you can enjoy an exquisite cup of coffee brewed by a barista in a hidden cafe. In restaurants, you can enjoy international cuisine from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and more, and the city has established a reputation as a food capital.
Although it is a city, Melbourne is dotted with beautiful parks and gardens that blend in with nature. At the Royal Botanic Garden, you can enjoy the scenery colored by plants of the four seasons, and at Fitzroy Garden, you can spend a relaxing time in silence. The green space will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Melbourne’s cityscape, where history and modern architecture blend together, is also one of its charms. The beautiful historic station building of Flinders Street Station is popular as a symbol of the city, while futuristic skyscrapers such as the Eureka Tower form the modern cityscape. This contrast creates a unique Melbourne landscape.
Melbourne is also known as a city of sports. World-class sporting events such as the Australian Open tennis, the Australian Grand Prix F1, and the Melbourne Cup horse race are held throughout the year, making it a city that sports fans will love. In particular, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the largest sports stadiums in Australia and has been the stage for many legendary matches.
There are also many tourist attractions. Each of these places has its own unique charm, from the historic Flinders Street Station, to the Royal Botanic Gardens, which has a collection of plants from all over the world, to the laneways lined with unique shops and cafes, and more, all of which delight visitors.
Melbourne is full of art, food, nature, architecture, and sports. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover, so why not try a special experience for yourself?
