Melbourne is the biggest road race in the country. More than 42,000 runners take on the festival's seven distances, from a 1km kids' run to the marathon, and every one of them finishes the same way: a lap onto the turf at the MCG. Running in through the gates of the 100,000-seat stadium is the reason a lot of people enter.
The races start on Batman Avenue and run on AIMS-certified courses, so times count. The marathon is flat and fast through the city and along the bay, which makes it a popular pick for a first 42.2km or a Boston qualifier. It falls on the second weekend of October (10 and 11 October in 2026), when Melbourne's spring mornings are usually cool and still.
The marathon and half marathon now run on a ballot, with guaranteed-entry options if you miss the draw. The 10km, 5km and 2.5km walk are open entry and fill out the weekend.
The start and MCG finish sit in the sporting precinct just east of the CBD, an easy walk from Flinders Street and Richmond stations. October in Melbourne is unpredictable, so carry a cheap throwaway layer for the early start.
