Melbourne Marathon

While Melbourne’s list of sporting events includes internationally renowned cricket matches, football games, and tennis tournaments, the Melbourne Marathon is considered the city’s most popular marathon.

Thousands of enthusiastic participants come and take part in this renowned event, which welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.

Melbourne Marathon 2025 Dates, Course Route, Entry & Schedule

The Melbourne Marathon originally started in 1978. 2007, a new course was developed for the race, starting on Batman Avenue and ending at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG).

Marathon

Be a part of Australia’s premier marathon and race alongside marathon legends. Circle around Albert Park Lake, Flinders Street Station, pass the St Kilda beach foreshore and cross the finish line at the MCG to cheers from supporters, family and friends.

The Nike Melbourne Marathon is a competitive, adrenaline-filled race for experienced marathon runners who want to set a personal best on our fast and flat course. It is also perfect for first-timers and less experienced marathon runners.

Half Marathon

Take the challenge of this iconic half marathon and race past Melbourne’s famous landmarks before you finish with a lap of the hallowed turf of the ‘G’. Whether it’s your first time or a seasoned pro, you’ll love the buzz of being involved in something this big.

10km Run

Race through the streets of Melbourne, passing by numerous iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens. This race is perfect if you’re looking for a challenge, whether setting a new PB or completing your first 10km run.

5km Run

Experience Melbourne like never before and race around some of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks and iconic scenery. Take part alongside racegoers participating in their first long-distance competitive run, those running with family members or those who prefer to run shorter distances. The 5km Run is an excellent first step into competitive running.

2.5km Walk

Participate in the 2.5km Walk to raise money for charity or your own challenge. Complete the course and finish with a lap of the hallowed turf of the MCG to the cheers of family & friends.

Start Lines

Start location: Batman Avenue, approximately 150m North of Rod Laver Arena.

42.195km Nike Melbourne Marathon: TBA
10km Run: TBA
42.195km Nike Wheelchair Marathon: TBA
21.1km Nike Half Marathon: TBA
5km Run: TBA
2.5km Walk: TBA

Once you are at your Start Line, please be mindful of your competitors and give each other space where possible. Remember, your timing chip activates as you run through the start arch, so the minutes it takes to get there won’t matter!

Finish Line

Once you have finished your event, please move through the finish area as quickly as possible to avoid congestion for other competitors who want to cross the Finish Line. Although you will want to celebrate here (rightfully so), competitors will come in right behind you, so keep moving through. This is not the place to wait for your mate.

On their way out of the finish area, all competitors will receive a finisher’s medallion.

Presentations

Trophies will be awarded to the place getters on Sunday for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters of the Nike Melbourne Marathon, Nike Half Marathon, Sri Lankan Airlines 10k and the Big M 5km Run. These will take place on the main stage, inside the MCG. You can also catch them on the Event’s Livestream!

Parking

Alexandra Avenue (between Swan St Bridge and Morrell Bridge) Once you find a park, walk across Swan St Bridge and take the footbridge over the rail lines. This leads directly to the MCGs. Allow 10 minutes walk time.

Fitzroy Gardens (Wellington Parade /Lansdowne St/Albert St/Clarendon St (city side only) Once you find a park, walk to Wellington Parade Sth/Jolimont Terrace and use the MCG paths to the Ponsford Stand or Gate 3.

Anderson St (access off Domain Rd or Alexandra Ave). Once you find a park, walk across Morell Bridge and take the footbridge over the rail lines. This leads directly to the MCG’s Ponsford Stand. Allow 20 minutes of walk time.

Drop and Go Locations

There are x2 Drop and Go locations for this, whether you are using a ride-sharing app or being dropped off by a friend or family member.

Wellington Parade (the corner of Wellington Parade and Wellington Parade South) is best suited for Saturday and Sunday participants who must attend the MCG before the Start Line.

Olympic Boulevard (out in front of Rod Laver Arena)—If you are a Sunday participant heading straight to the Start Line, this drop-off location is best. If you need to use the Warm Clothing Service, we recommend getting dropped off at Wellington Parade.

Spectators

Friends and family are invited to cheer you on as you finish. Free entry into the MCG will be available for spectators through Gate 2 on Sunday from 7am. Spectators and Participants might find it difficult to meet within the MCG; instead, locating a meeting spot within Yarra Park is recommended for ease.

Bikes and Pets are prohibited inside the MCG (Guide Dogs excepted). For spectators with prams, prams and pushers will be permitted if you intend to watch the Event within the MCG at the finish line and have a baby or a toddler.