Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Nike Melbourne Marathon is a fast-leaning course through the Victorian capital, tracing the bay and the city's boulevards before an iconic finish inside the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground. The largely flat profile makes it a reasonable personal-best target. Held in October, it offers cool spring conditions well suited to racing. The bayside route and the stadium finish define the day. It suits the PB-focused runner who wants a fast Australian race and the thrill of finishing on the turf of one of sport's great arenas.
Course Insight
Melbourne is a flat, fast October marathon through the city that finishes with a lap inside the famous MCG, a goosebump close on the hallowed turf. The level terrain leaves pacing discipline to you on the open stretches. Mild spring air suits fast running. The stadium finish is a genuine highlight. Pace it evenly and earn that lap of the ground.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 138m
- Elevation loss
- 126m
- Highest point
- 34m
- Lowest point
- 6m
- Net elevation
- +12m
- Start
- Batman Avenue, 150m north of Rod Laver Arena.
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Race History
The Nike Melbourne Marathon was first held in 1978, a fast-leaning course through the Victorian capital tracing the bay before an iconic finish inside the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground. Its largely flat profile and cool spring timing made it a reasonable personal-best target. From its founding it grew into one of Australia's premier marathons. Held each October, it draws a large field to the famous arena.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Melbourne/Tullamarine (MEL), Avalon (AVV)
- Best area to stay
- The CBD for proximity to the MCG finish and full hotels, Southbank for riverside stays near the route, and Fitzroy for hip, characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near the MCG and Yarra; walk from CBD hotels or take a tram to a central stop, finishing inside the MCG.