The Nike Melbourne Marathon will run across two days on Saturday, 10th and Sunday, 11th October 2026. This change aligns with the 20th anniversary of the MCG finish line. Organisers confirmed a redesigned course and higher capacity for 2026. Across the weekend, 66,000 participants will compete, including 20,000 Marathon runners.

Course planners reduced elevation gain by 20%. They also removed one-third of directional turns. As a result, runners will follow a flatter and more direct route. Both the Marathon and Half Marathon will continue to finish inside the MCG.

A 3.5-hour gap will separate the Marathon and Half Marathon starts. Consequently, Marathon runners will receive exclusive access to the course during that period. Spectator zones from Anzac Station to Federation Square will operate without trams. In addition, organisers will implement an enhanced starting line process.

Australian Olympian and World Champion runner Steve Moneghetti said, “It is an understatement to say that the event space is ‘running’ at breakneck speed right now. I see the evolution of this year’s Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival as a positive step for the event. The new format puts the participant experience at the front of the pack and reflects how the Festival continues to grow with its community.

“As someone who has had a long involvement with the event, it is great to see the Festival continuing to innovate while staying true to the spirit that makes it so special”.

Course updates reshape 2026 event

Organisers described the expansion as the most significant change since inception. The revised route will extend into new parts of Melbourne. It will also lower the elevation and limit sharp turns. Therefore, officials expect improved flow and safer conditions.

Participation will increase by 16,000 places compared with 2025. Marathon entries alone will rise to 20,000. Overall numbers will reach 66,000 across both days. Officials confirmed that the Marathon and Half Marathon have sold out.

Marcus Gale, Event Director of the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, said; “We’ve spent many months reviewing, modelling, and refining the new format, with every decision anchored in enhancing the participant experience, whilst unlocking the ability to provide more people access to participate in this event. The updates, from course flow to operational improvements, are the result of extensive consultation, expert modelling, and detailed planning.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of finishing inside the MCG, the Festival’s legacy is incredibly important to us, and these changes ensure we continue to deliver an event that feels world-class while preserving the unique atmosphere of the iconic finish line and the spirit that has defined this event for decades.”

Club endorsement and event schedule

The President and Committee of the Melbourne Spartan Club said: “We have unanimously welcomed the new initiatives for the 2026 Melbourne Marathon. We love the increased capacity across all events, particularly the Marathon distance, as it will give more runners the opportunity of adding to their run tally while also greatly adding to the carnival atmosphere. We also see the more streamlined Marathon course with fewer turns and reduced elevation, providing a superior experience for all runners.”

“We see tremendous upside in the 3.5-hour start gap between the full and half marathons, as this will deliver better atmosphere and infrastructure for the slower marathon runners who normally grind it out through a deserted course. We feel that the increased width of the course in key areas, along with reducing the impact of tram tracks, will greatly improve safety for all stakeholders. Thank you to all involved with these initiatives, which will further improve a world-class fixture on the running calendar, while still ensuring the event showcases the beauty of Melbourne to interstate and global runners.”

Key events across the weekend include the Bupa Healthy Cities Mini Marathon, Chobani 3km, Dairy Farmers 5km and SriLankan Airlines 10km, which are now on sale. The 42.195km Nike Melbourne Wheelchair Marathon, 42.195km Nike Melbourne Marathon and 21.1km Nike Half Marathon have sold out.

Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Date: Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th October 2026
Key events: Bupa Healthy Cities Mini Marathon, Chobani 3km, Dairy Farmers 5km, SriLankan Airlines 10km
Access details: Selected events on sale, Marathon and Half Marathon sold out