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Oct 11, 2026
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The Melbourne Marathon courses through iconic landmarks including the Yarra River, Albert Park Lake, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The route is primarily flat and fast, making it ideal for achieving personal bests. Runners experience the vibrant energy of Melbourne's inner suburbs with strong crowd support throughout.
October in Melbourne brings spring weather with mild temperatures and low humidity. Conditions are typically ideal for marathon running with occasional clouds and minimal rain risk.
The Race
Melbourne
The Melbourne Marathon was founded in 1978, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 48 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Melbourne, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.
The course record of 02:09:48, set by Aaron Kosgei in 2023, speaks to what the Melbourne Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
Runners come to the Melbourne Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Melbourne has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
For thousands of runners each year, the Melbourne Marathon is their first marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
Robert de Castella
World champion marathoner
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02:09:48
Aaron Kosgei (2023)
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