Missed out on a spot in the ballot for Australia’s first World Major Marathon happening in Sydney this year? Don’t sweat, as there are plenty more opportunities to pound the pavement (or sand) for 42.195 kilometres in 2025.
From the nation’s flattest marathon on the Gold Coast to the slightly hilly yet scenic Great Ocean Road race, and even a bucket-list run at Uluru, these are all of the best marathons Australia has to offer. Run, don’t walk, to sign up for your next race – many of these marathons sell out in days.
When: April 13, 2025
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 4, 2025
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 24, 2025
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 17-18, 2025
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 1, 2025
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 5-6, 2025
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 26, 2025
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 31, 2025
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
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
Distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, 4km
For almost 50 years, thousands of runners have laced up 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.
Discover Time Out original video
