Melbourne Marathon

Entry is available via a ballot lottery (free to enter, charged only if selected), a time qualification standard, or a registered charity fundraising place. The general ballot typically sells out within 48 hours of opening in April, so set a reminder and enter early.

Yes, the Melbourne Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. If you run a qualifying time on race day, you can submit it as part of your Boston Marathon registration.

The time limit is 7.5 hours, which is generous enough to accommodate a wide range of abilities.

The course is effectively flat, barely rising above sea level at its highest point. Total elevation gain across the full distance is modest and spread evenly, so there are no significant hills to manage. It's an out-and-back route, meaning the second half mirrors the first.

October spring conditions in Melbourne are typically cool in the morning and mild by midday, averaging a low around 50°F (10°C) and a high around 67°F (19°C). Melbourne weather can shift quickly, so check the forecast in the days before and be prepared for anything from sun to showers.

The Melbourne Marathon sees around 14,500 finishers across the full marathon distance, making it one of the larger road races in Australia.

Both the start and finish are at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Finishers run through the players' tunnel onto the ground itself, which is a genuine highlight of the race.