Kangaroo Island is one of Australia's most extraordinary natural destinations — untouched wilderness, extraordinary wildlife, and rugged coastal scenery that most people only see in documentaries. The Kangaroo Island Marathon takes you right through the heart of it, with a course that winds through Flinders Chase National Park, past regenerating post-bushfire flora and fauna, along an exposed coastal section with cliff-top views to the Southern Ocean, and across a boardwalk to the iconic Remarkable Rocks.
Established in 2015, the event has welcomed runners from 25 countries and every Australian state, and won a bronze medal at the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards. For 2026, a brand new KI50 (50km ultra) has been added alongside the existing Marathon, Half Marathon, and Sealink 10km.
The marathon and half marathon courses run entirely inside a shutdown Flinders Chase National Park — no public traffic, just you, the wildlife, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the southern hemisphere. “Absolutely loved it. This race is up there with the top 3 marathons in the world that I have run. Such a friendly atmosphere and the scenery is stunning.” — Lyndie Leviston
Getting to Kangaroo Island requires planning: ferry or flight from Adelaide. The event organisers, Marathon Tours & Travel, offer 3-night, 5-night and self-drive travel packages combining race entry with accommodation and transfers. Given the island's limited capacity, booking early is essential.
The national park terrain is undulating — this is not a PB course but an experience course. Train for hills. Book accommodation as soon as registrations open; the island fills up fast. And bring a camera for the finish line near the Remarkable Rocks — you'll want proof this existed.
