The best marathons in Australia for 2025/26

When: January 2026 (date TBC)

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, 1km

Running for chocolate? Now that sounds like our kind of race. Many people are surprised to discover that Tasmania is home to the largest Cadbury factory in the Southern Hemisphere. For more than 40 years, the historic chocolate factory has hosted its annual summer running festival along the scenic River Derwent. It’s smaller and more relaxed than a big-city marathon – but with the bonus of chocolatey rewards waiting at the finish line.

When: April 11-12, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5.4km, 2km Kids' Run

Australia’s capital claims rights to the nation’s oldest city marathon, which kicks off near Old Parliament House and takes you past Canberra’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Triangle, Questacon, the National Gallery of Australia and Lake Burley Griffin.

When: May 3, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, Kids' Dash

Flat, fast and scenic, Adelaide’s biggest marathon attracts more than 3,000 runners every year. You can take in the beauty of the city as you weave through picturesque parklands, along the Torrens River, and past many of Adelaide’s best-known landmarks, including the Adelaide Oval and Botanic Park.

When: May 23, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km

Join around 5,000 runners chasing the sun in this four-lap road race through the streets of Noosa. With a sunny average temperature of 23 degrees and zero hills, it’s the perfect chance to shoot for a new personal best.

When: May 16-17, 2026

Distances: 60km Ultra, 44km, 23km, 14km, 12km Trail Run, 10/5km Walk, 6km, 1.5 Kids’ Gallop

Soak in sweeping coastal views as you take on this rare chance to traverse the famous Great Ocean Road on foot. The undulating course begins at Lorne Surf Life Saving Club and finishes at Apollo Bay Hotel, with vibrant festival villages in both coastal towns, featuring a kite festival, yoga sessions and live music.

When: June 7, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, 2km Mini Marathon

The River City’s only marathon distance running event traces the Brisbane River, offering stunning views of South Bank and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Many participants say running across the Story Bridge – completely free of cars – is the highlight of the two-lap course, which finishes in the beautiful City Botanic Gardens.

When: July 4-5, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, Wheelchair and 2km Junior

Famous for its incredibly scenic beachside route, the Gold Coast boasts the flattest and fastest marathon course in Australia. In fact, 60 per cent of runners achieve a new personal best each year. Heads up: entries for the Gold Coast Marathon sell out quickly – so if you missed out in 2025, be sure to add it to next year’s bucket list instead.

When: July 25, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 11km, 6km

This once-in-a-lifetime marathon in Uluru sees runners dash across soft-sand trails, bush tracks and unsealed roads, with a few small sand dunes to really get the legs burning. The Australian Outback Marathon can only be booked as part of a package, inclusive of shuttle services, accommodation, breakfast and race entry.

When: August 2, 2026

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, 2km

The Sunshine Coast is gunning for gold as a frontrunner to host the 2032 Brisbane Olympic marathon. To strengthen its bid, the festival introduced a brand-new single-lap course in 2025, which pulled in record-breaking crowds. Kicking off at the stunning Alexandra Headland, the course is a coastal dream – winding through Twin Waters and Mudjimba, and crossing the Sunshine Motorway Bridge twice for panoramic water views.

When: August 2026 (date TBC)

Distances: 42km, 10km, 4.2km

Australia’s largest marathon made history in 2024 by becoming the country's first-ever running event to earn World Major Marathon status. With 40,000 runners from 100 countries set to hit the pavement in 2025, securing an entry to the 42.195-kilometre event is as competitive as the race itself. Add it to your bucket list and cross your fingers for next year’s ballot!

When: October 12, 2025 (date for 2026 TBC)

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, 2.5km Walk, 1km Mini Marathon

There’s a reason Melbourne’s biggest running event sells out in less than 24 hours. You can race alongside international marathon legends as you loop around Albert Park Lake, pass the St Kilda Foreshore and cross the finish line at the MCG. While the 2025 race is already sold out, you can join the waitlist for second-chance ballots, which will be drawn in April and July.

When: October 12, 2025 (date for 2026 TBC)

Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 4km 

For almost 50 years, thousands of runners have laced up for Perth’s official state marathon championship. The spectacularly flat course winds around the serene Swan River, showcasing the natural beauty of Burswood and Kings Park, before finishing inside one of the world’s most beautiful stadiums.