Fitness
Lace 'em up: 8 of the best marathons in Australia
Can run, will run. But where run? Here are our picks for some of Australia's best marathons year-long round.
Australian marathon runners are spoiled for choice. There are dozens of annual full marathons, half marathons and 10km races all over the country, from the Victorian Alps to the middle of the Outback. You can run in snow, through autumn wineries or along the switchbacks of the Great Ocean Road.
Picking the ‘best’ is fairly subjective, but these are our favourites: a mix of the most prestigious, the toughest, and the ones with the best scenery.
If you’re on the fence, or wondering whether you’ve got what it takes to tackle some of these events - they say the best thing you can do is sign up - having a tangible goal could be the best way to keep yourself accountable and get the training in.
01
Australian Outback Marathon
The Australian Outback Marathon is an extraordinary event that combines the thrill of long-distance running with the breathtaking beauty of the Australian Outback. Held annually, this marathon takes participants on a challenging yet awe-inspiring journey through the vast and rugged landscapes of Australia's iconic red desert. Runners have the opportunity to experience the untamed wilderness, with red earth beneath their feet and stunning natural landmarks as their backdrop.
The course winds through dusty trails, ancient gorges, and stretches of endless open terrain, providing a unique and immersive running experience. With temperatures soaring and the harsh environment testing their endurance, participants are rewarded with a profound sense of accomplishment as they conquer the extreme conditions of the Outback.
The Australian Outback Marathon offers not just a physical challenge, but also a chance to connect with the spirit of this wild and captivating land, leaving participants with memories that will last a lifetime.
When: 27th July 2024
Location: Uluru, Northern Territory
02
Great Ocean Road Marathon
The Great Ocean Road Marathon is a premier running event that takes participants on a remarkable journey along one of the world's most scenic coastal roads. Stretching for 44 kilometers (26.2 miles) along Australia's stunning Great Ocean Road, this marathon offers a truly breathtaking and picturesque route. Runners are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Southern Ocean, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests as they navigate the undulating course.
The race combines the challenges of endurance with the sheer beauty of the surroundings, creating an unforgettable experience for participants. As they push their limits, runners are motivated by the sound of crashing waves, the invigorating ocean breeze, and the incredible natural wonders that line the route. The Great Ocean Road Marathon not only tests the physical abilities of its participants but also serves as a celebration of the remarkable coastal landscapes that make Australia truly unique.
The Great Ocean Road Marathon. This is a six-race event, catering to everyone from club runners and ultra pros to wheelchair participants – you can sign up for the ultra, full or half marathon, or the 14km, 6km or 1.5km fun runs. With the Otways on your right and a windswept ocean panorama on your left, this is probably Australia’s best-looking road race.
When: 18-19th May 2024
Location: Great Ocean Road, Victoria
03
Sydney Marathon
The Sydney Marathon is simply the hottest marathon in Australia right now. If you haven’t heard, Sydney is on track to become the next World Marathon Major - joining 6 other prestigious marathons around the world in New York, London, Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, and Chicago.
But you don’t just run Sydney because of the hype. The course itself is something special. Starting in North Sydney, you climb over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge in the first few kilometres of the race, spoilt with stunning views of the harbour to distract you from the mission that is still ahead of you.
You also get a lovely tour of the Pyrmont and Darling Harbour area before picking up the pace in Centennial Park - but leave something in the tank for the finish - you head down past Mrs Macquarie’s Chair before finishing at the foot of the Sydney Opera House.
The Sydney Marathon is also now Australia’s largest marathon - with over 24,000 entrants in the 2024 edition we think an entry is going to be hot property in the years to come.
When: Sunday 15th September 2024
Location: Sydney, NSW
For more information, check out the link here.
04
Wings For Life Australian Run
Rhiannan Iffland at the Wings for Life World Run
© Ken Leanfore for Wings for Life World Run
This unique race happens not only around Australia but the world at the same time. A 'virtual' catcher car leaves half an hour after the race begins and slowly chases down runners. This clever feature makes it a one-of-a-kind race. With the Wings for Life app, you can record your run and track your progress against the catcher car.
One of the fun elements of the Australian events is the start time. Depending on where in Australia you are, the start time is around 9pm - making it far from your average race. There’s a great camaraderie that comes from starting a race at 9pm with your friends, head torches on and seeing how far into the night you can go.
The goal of the race is to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and a way to raise funds for research and real-world solutions for those who have tragically had spinal cord injuries.
Now in its 10th year the race sees millions of participants annually with no sign of slowing down. Sign up here for 2024. 10th year the race sees millions of participants annually with no sign of slowing down. Sign up here for 2025.
When: May 4th, 2024
Where: Across Australia
05
Six Foot Track Marathon
The Six Foot Track Marathon is a legendary race that immerses participants in the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia. Spanning 45 kilometers (28 miles) along the historic Six Foot Track, this marathon presents a formidable challenge for trail runners.
The course takes runners through a diverse landscape, including steep ascents, technical descents, dense forests, and picturesque river crossings. Participants are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and majestic escarpments as they navigate the demanding terrain. The race is known for its camaraderie and supportive atmosphere, with runners encouraging and motivating one another along the way.
The Six Foot Track Marathon is not just a test of physical endurance, but a journey that allows participants to connect with nature, conquer personal limits, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
When: 9th March 2024
Location: Katoomba, NSW
06
City to Surf
There are several City To Surf-type events around Australia, including the Sun Herald City2Surf in Sydney, the City To Surf in Perth and Brisbane’s City2South. Sydney’s event is probably the biggest, but it’s only a 14km course. For the marathon, head to Perth. The 42km trail has got to be one of the most picturesque city marathons in Australia, looping past the Swan River and the Old Swan Brewery, then through Kings Park and the University Of Western Australia. The festival itself draws about 45,000 people from all over the country, so lock this one down for August.
When: 11th August 2024
Location: Perth, WA
Where to run in Sydney
07
Gold Coast Marathon
There’s nothing like marathon weekend on the Gold Coast. Held on the first weekend in July each year, the Gold Coast Marathon is a welcome opportunity for those in the southern states to run without the usual winter layers.
It’s a festival atmosphere, with the half marathon held on the Saturday and the marathon and 10km events taking place on the Sunday. All the events start at Broadwater Parklands in Southport (close to Sea World) and the marathon heads south towards Broadbeach, snaking its way down the coast all the way to Miami before turning and heading back towards the start/finish area.
One of the things we love about the half marathon and marathon at Gold Coast is that both events start just before sunrise - meaning you get a huge mood boost a few kilometres into the race as you see the sun come up. The colours in the sky can be a welcome distraction if you’re struggling your way to the finish line.
When: 6-7th July 2024
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Where to run in Melbourne
08
Rottnest Running Festival
The Rottnest Running Festival is a captivating event that combines the thrill of running with the natural beauty of Rottnest Island in Western Australia. This festival offers a variety of race distances, from a full marathon to shorter options like the half marathon, 10K, and 5K races, catering to runners of all levels.
The course takes participants on a mesmerizing journey along the island's pristine coastline, showcasing stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes. Runners are treated to panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and may even spot the famous quokkas, the island's adorable marsupial residents.
The Rottnest Running Festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience, where participants can challenge themselves while surrounded by the island's tranquility and natural splendor. Whether aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying the scenic route, this festival celebrates the joy of running and the incredible beauty of Rottnest Island. One more thing they do here: when the marathon begins on Sunday, it’s heralded by the wailing of bagpipes. We have no idea why.
When: 16th June 2024
Location: Rottnest Island, WA
Bonus race: Red Bull Race the Sun
Red Bull Race The Sun 2023
© Riley Wolff
Red Bull Race The Sun 2023
© Red Bull
Red Bull Race The Sun 2023
© Red Bull
Red Bull Race The Sun 2023
© Red Bull
The aim is simple in Red Bull Race The Sun, you and your team must run from a beach, through the city, and across the mountains to the finish line 345km away... in 24 hours or less!
Teams of six will race relay-style from Surfers Paradise Beach to Tenterfield on the Gold Coast across dirt, trail and road starting at sunrise and finishing at the next sunrise.
Learn more here
Love running? Watch as Japanese mountain runner Ruy Ueda embarks on a challenge to run himself into the record books by setting the new fastest-known time for running all of Mount Fuji’s main trails in one stroke.
23 min
Mount Fuji in One Stroke
Ruy Ueda aims to set the new fastest-known time for running all of Mount Fuji’s main trails in one stroke.
