Melbourne Marathon
The Melbourne Marathon is an annual road running event held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, comprising a full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 miles) that typically takes place in mid-October. Established in 1978 as the inaugural 'Big M Melbourne Marathon' with over 2,000 participants on a course from Frankston to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, it has grown into a cornerstone of the nation's endurance running culture.[1][2] Organized as the centerpiece of the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, the event now encompasses multiple distances including a half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km run, 5 km run, 2.5 km walk, and a 1 km junior race, drawing a combined field of over 40,000 participants in recent editions, such as 42,000 in 2024, and raising millions for charitable causes, including $1.8 million in 2024.[3][4] The marathon route is a largely flat, scenic loop starting and finishing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), passing iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, the Shrine of Remembrance, Albert Park Lake, and the St Kilda foreshore along Beach Road, with a final lap around the MCG to cheering crowds.[5][6] Recognized internationally, the festival holds World Athletics Label status for its road races, with the half marathon awarded Elite Label designation, attracting elite athletes and fostering competitive fields that have produced national records and personal bests.[7][8] The marathon itself emphasizes inclusivity, with dedicated wheelchair divisions and a history of milestones such as the 2018 edition marking the first time more female than male runners participated across the festival.[9]History
Inception and early years
The Melbourne Marathon was established in 1978 by the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association, marking the city's first major organized marathon event. Sponsored by the milk drink Big M, the inaugural race took place on November 5, 1978, during Melbourne Cup weekend, attracting over 2,000 participants who mostly traveled to the start via a special train. The course followed a Boston-style point-to-point route beginning in Frankston and proceeding along the Nepean Highway to finish in front of the Melbourne Town Hall. Olympic 10,000m runner Bill Scott won the men's race in 2:21:04, while Elizabeth Hassall (née Richards) claimed the women's title in 2:53:38, highlighting the event's emphasis on local Australian talent.[10][11][12] Ted Paulin, a former middle-distance runner and key figure in Victorian athletics, served as the inaugural race director from 1978 to 1993, overseeing operations from an office at Olympic Park. The first edition was logistically challenging, featuring limited signage, few amenities, and transportation delays, yet it drew 2,771 entrants and saw 1,947 finishers, predominantly local runners. Early years focused on building participation among Australian athletes, with Paulin managing sponsorships, elite athlete invitations, and media relations on a largely volunteer basis. Route variations occurred soon after; by 1982, the start shifted to Beach Road, with the finish moving to the Arts Centre, before further adjustments toward a more standardized inner-city loop in subsequent editions.[12][11][10] During the 1980s, the event evolved into a multi-event festival under Paulin's leadership, with the marathon remaining the flagship race. He introduced a women's 10 km fun run and a half-marathon series to broaden appeal and accommodate growing interest, alongside a shorter Marafun for children once age restrictions were applied. Participation surged, exceeding 6,000 entrants by 1983, reflecting the marathon's rising status as a cornerstone of Victorian distance running.[10][12]Growth, changes, and disruptions
In 1987, Race Director Ted Paulin introduced the Spartans program to honor dedicated runners who had completed at least 10 Melbourne Marathons, awarding them distinctive gold singlets; that year, 88 participants qualified and wore them during the event.[13][2] The marathon underwent significant professionalization in 2006 when IMG acquired ownership, enabling expanded sponsorship deals and operational enhancements that elevated its status as Australia's premier road race.[10] This shift facilitated major corporate partnerships, including Nike becoming the title sponsor starting in 2023, which boosted visibility and supported elite athlete programs.[5][14] To mark its 30th anniversary in 2007, the course was redesigned with the start and finish relocated to the vicinity of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), incorporating a loop through iconic city landmarks such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and St Kilda Road for a more spectator-friendly and scenic route.[10] Participation expanded markedly over the decades, rising from approximately 1,000 marathon finishers in the 1990s to an Australian record of 7,037 in 2019, reflecting the event's growing appeal amid broader trends in recreational running.[15][10] The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions, with the 2020 edition canceled as a live event and converted to a virtual format held from December 5 to 13, allowing participants to complete the distance remotely via GPS-tracked apps.[10][16] The 2021 race was postponed from October to December 12 due to ongoing restrictions, featuring an early 6 a.m. start and capacity limits to manage heat and crowds.[10][17] The event returned to its traditional October schedule in 2022, with all races consolidated on Sunday, October 2, signaling a full resumption of in-person festivities.[10][18] Recent milestones underscore continued momentum, including the 45th edition in 2023, which drew over 40,000 registered participants and set new attendance benchmarks.[10][19] In 2024, the festival achieved a record $1.8 million in fundraising for more than 100 charities, highlighting its role in community philanthropy through runner-supported causes like premature baby care initiatives.[4][20] The 47th edition in 2025 further shattered records with approximately 50,000 participants across all events and over $2.7 million raised for charitable causes as of November 2025.[21][22]Event Overview
Scheduling and location
The Melbourne Marathon is held annually on the second Sunday in October as the centerpiece of the two-day Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival.[22] For instance, the 2025 edition took place on October 12, following the shorter-distance events on October 11.[23] The festival format integrates the marathon with community runs, creating a weekend celebration of running in the city.[24] The event is staged in central Melbourne, with a mass start on Batman Avenue, approximately 150 meters north of Rod Laver Arena in East Melbourne, near the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).[5] The finish line is at the MCG, and the course necessitates extensive road closures throughout the city to accommodate the large participant field and spectators.[25] On race day, the marathon begins Sunday morning, starting at 6:30 a.m. AEST in waves, with elite athletes at the front.[26][27] Due to overwhelming demand, entry into the marathon is managed through a ballot system, with the 2026 ballot opening shortly after the 2025 event on November 12, 2025.[28] Priority access is granted to runners from the prior year and those unsuccessful in previous waitlists, alongside dedicated spots for charity runners who commit to raising a minimum of $2,000 for official partners, bypassing the standard ballot draw.[29][30] Held in spring, the marathon typically experiences mild conditions with temperatures ranging from 10–20°C, though variable weather can influence performance.[31] Past editions have seen impacts from rain or unseasonal warmth, such as the cooler start around 6°C in 2022, which favored faster times but required adjustments for hydration and layering.[32]Race categories and format
The Nike Melbourne Marathon covers the standard distance of 42.195 km and serves as the capstone event of the broader festival, which attracts around 50,000 participants across various distances including the half marathon, 10 km run, 5 km run, and 2.5 km walk.[33] Approximately 14,500 runners complete the full marathon annually.[33] The race is open to able-bodied athletes aged 18 and older on race day, as well as wheelchair participants, with separate provisions for racing and non-racing wheelchairs.[5] Divisions include the open category for elite professionals, age groups in five-year bands from 18-19 up to 80+, and team entries such as corporate or club teams.[34] Wheelchair athletes compete in a dedicated category, with racing wheelchairs starting five minutes ahead of the main field for safety, while non-racing wheelchairs start with the mass field at the rear for safety.[35] The event uses a mass start format with multiple waves from Batman Avenue near the Melbourne Cricket Ground, including a preferred start wave for elites and qualifiers to minimize congestion.[5] Elite entry requires strict qualification based on recent performances, such as marathon times under 2:19 for men and 2:35 for women, granting access to professional facilities, free entry, and priority positioning.[36] Preferred starts are available to sub-elite runners meeting age-graded standards, for example, sub-2:45 for men under 39 or sub-3:10 for women under 39.[37] Pace groups are provided for mass participants, targeting finish times from 2:50 to 5:00 hours, with no registration required. The overall time limit is 7 hours, as the finish line closes at 2:00 p.m., after which the course is cleared for traffic.[38] Prizes feature a purse exceeding $100,000 for the elite open division, including $25,000 for overall winners in the men's and women's races, with descending amounts for top five finishers ($10,000 for second, $5,000 for third, $2,500 for fourth, and $1,250 for fifth).[5] All finishers receive a personalized medal, while age-group winners earn additional awards and recognition.[39]Course
Route description
The Melbourne Marathon commences at Batman Avenue, adjacent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in East Melbourne, with runners initially heading south through the central business district (CBD) along Swanston Street and Flinders Street, passing the historic Flinders Street Station.[5][6] The initial segment, covering kilometers 1 to 10, directs participants eastward then westward along the Yarra River, traversing the vibrant Southbank arts precinct and the modern Docklands area.[5][40] From kilometers 11 to 21, the route turns south toward Albert Park Lake for a complete loop around the lake, followed by a westward progression along the tree-lined St Kilda Road.[5][41] Kilometers 22 to 30 feature a scenic coastal stretch along Port Phillip Bay's beaches, extending from St Kilda to Elwood, before the path veers inland.[5][6] The concluding kilometers 31 to 42 guide runners northward via Fitzroy Street through St Kilda, past the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens, and return to the MCG for a triumphant finish inside the stadium.[5][40] This point-to-point course, certified by World Athletics and in its current configuration since 2007, features minimal elevation gain with a total ascent of approximately 135 meters, contributing to its reputation as a fast urban route.[42][43][44]Terrain and notable features
The Melbourne Marathon course consists predominantly of flat asphalt roads, with an average gradient of less than 0.5%, making it conducive to fast times for experienced runners.[5] Short inclines occur near the Yarra River bridges in the early urban sections and around Albert Park Lake, providing minor elevation challenges that test pacing without significant disruption.[6] These features contribute to a relatively predictable terrain, though the surface can feel firm underfoot due to the paved urban and parkland paths. Urban elements enhance the race atmosphere while introducing practical considerations; dense crowds line the Central Business District (CBD) streets, offering vocal support, while trams along key routes like St Kilda Road are paused for safety during road closures to ensure runner priority.[45] The coastal stretch along Beach Road toward St Kilda exposes participants to potential headwinds from Port Phillip Bay, particularly in the mid-race kilometers, which can affect energy conservation on this otherwise exposed section.[5] Iconic landmarks punctuate the route, providing visual and psychological boosts amid the urban landscape. Runners pass through the Royal Botanic Gardens between kilometers 35 and 38, where lush greenery offers a scenic respite and brief shelter from the elements. Earlier, the circuit around Albert Park Lake from kilometers 15 to 20 delivers expansive lake views and a sense of open space, while the approach to St Kilda Beach at kilometer 25 introduces a relaxed boardwalk vibe with oceanfront energy.[5] Aid stations are strategically placed approximately every 5 kilometers, supplying water, electrolyte drinks like Maurten Drink Mix 160, and energy gels at select points to support hydration and fueling needs. Medical support teams are stationed at these locations and key landmarks, ready to assist with common issues such as dehydration or minor injuries.[27] Environmentally, the course balances urban and natural elements, with tree-lined paths in areas like the Botanic Gardens providing intermittent shade, though the CBD's concrete surroundings can amplify heat island effects during warmer October mornings. Sustainability initiatives include zero-waste aid stations implemented since 2022, featuring compostable cups and reduced plastic use to minimize environmental impact.[46][47]Records and Participation
Course records
The course records for the Melbourne Marathon reflect the elite benchmarks set on the current route, which begins and ends at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The men's record is held by Timothy Kiplagat Ronoh of Kenya, who completed the distance in 2:09:12 on October 9, 2022.[10] The women's record belongs to Australian athlete Sinead Diver, with a time of 2:25:19 achieved on October 14, 2018.[10][3]| Category | Athlete (Nationality) | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Open | Timothy Kiplagat Ronoh (KEN) | 2:09:12 | 2022 |
| Women's Open | Sinead Diver (AUS) | 2:25:19 | 2018 |
Finisher statistics and trends
The Melbourne Marathon has experienced steady growth in participation since the mid-2000s, with finisher numbers increasing from approximately 4,000 in the early 2000s to an average of 7,000–8,000 annually in recent years.[10] For instance, the event recorded 6,820 finishers in 2013, rising to 7,012 in 2019 and 7,945 in 2023, reflecting post-2007 resurgence driven by enhancements like the finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.[10] This growth was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 5,182 finishers in 2021 due to modified formats and restrictions, before rebounding to 6,215 in 2022.[10] In 2024, the full festival attracted a record 42,000 participants across all distances, while the 2025 edition set a new benchmark with 50,000 total runners and 14,500 marathon finishers.[50][21] Demographically, the marathon has achieved near gender parity, with women comprising 50.23% of participants for the first time in 2018, a milestone following gradual increases from earlier decades when female finishers were under 30%.[9] International runners make up a notable portion, with dedicated spots for overseas and interstate entrants supporting diversity; top participating nations include Australia, Kenya, and Japan, drawn by the event's Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy.[51] Participation trends also highlight growing inclusivity, including rising numbers in the wheelchair category—over 50 annually in recent years, with dedicated races and Spartans achieving multiple completions—and strong representation from older athletes, evidenced by age-group records set by runners over 50.[35][34] Charity involvement remains a key driver, with about 4% of entries allocated to official partners, enabling runners to secure spots while fundraising; the 2025 event raised a record $2.7 million for causes, underscoring the motivational role of philanthropy in participation.[51][52] Completion rates exceed 95% within the six-hour time limit, supported by the course's relatively flat profile, though did-not-finish incidents are more common in exposed coastal segments due to wind.[10]Elite Competition
Past overall winners
The Melbourne Marathon, held annually since 1978, has seen a diverse array of elite open division winners in both the men's and women's races, reflecting evolving global participation and performance standards.[10][50]| Year | Men's Winner | Country/State | Time | Women's Winner | Country/State | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Bill Scott | VIC (AUS) | 2:21:04 | Elizabeth Hassell | NSW (AUS) | 2:53:38 |
| 1979 | Andrew Lloyd | NSW (AUS) | 2:26:44 | Jane Kuchins | USA | 3:12:35 |
| 1980 | Andrew Lloyd | NSW (AUS) | 2:17:37 | Rosemary Longstaff | ACT (AUS) | 2:46:16 |
| 1981 | Andrew Lloyd | NSW (AUS) | 2:19:03 | Jackie Turney | VIC (AUS) | 2:42:12 |
| 1982 | Bill Rodgers | USA | 2:11:08 | Sue King | USA | 2:37:57 |
| 1983 | Juma Ikangaa | TAN | 2:13:15 | Rhonda Mallinder | VIC (AUS) | 2:37:56 |
| 1984 | Juma Ikangaa | TAN | 2:15:31 | Margaret Reddan | QLD (AUS) | 2:43:40 |
| 1985 | Fred van der Vennet | BEL | 2:12:35 | Margaret Reddan | QLD (AUS) | 2:44:56 |
| 1986 | Richard Umberg | SUI | 2:17:21 | Tani Ruckle | NSW (AUS) | 2:36:06 |
| 1987 | Ric Sayre | USA | 2:14:16 | Jackie Turney | VIC (AUS) | 2:44:18 |
| 1988 | Tommy Hughes | IRL | 2:18:14 | Coral Farr | VIC (AUS) | 2:47:38 |
| 1989 | Takeshi So | JPN | 2:18:13 | Colleen Stephens | VIC (AUS) | 2:49:18 |
| 1990 | Russell Foley | TAS (AUS) | 2:20:35 | Alevtina Chasova | RUS | 2:39:00 |
| 1991 | Victor Muzgovoi | RUS | 2:17:02 | Irina Petrova | RUS | 2:39:57 |
| 1992 | Slawomir Gurny | POL | 2:16:04 | Alena Peterkova | CZE | 2:33:02 |
| 1993 | Jerry Modiga | RSA | 2:15:07 | Dominique Rembert | FRA | 2:44:22 |
| 1994 | Manabu Kawagoe | JPN | 2:19:02 | Winnie Ng | HKG | 2:47:37 |
| 1995 | Osamu Monoe | JPN | 2:17:19 | Lyn Clayton | NSW (AUS) | 2:38:50 |
| 1996 | Zerhun Gizaw | ETH | 2:22:40 | Sylvia Rose | NSW (AUS) | 2:41:53 |
| 1997 | Greg Lyons | VIC (AUS) | 2:15:49 | Tracey Newton | VIC (AUS) | 2:48:32 |
| 1998 | Daniel Radebe | RSA | 2:12:48 | Sherryn Rhodes | VIC (AUS) | 2:37:56 |
| 1999 | Michael McIntyre | VIC (AUS) | 2:25:04 | Susan Hobson | ACT (AUS) | 2:33:27 |
| 2000 | Jamie Harrison | NSW (AUS) | 2:25:53 | Nellie Marmy-Conus | SUI | 2:49:22 |
| 2001 | Todd Ingraham | WA (AUS) | 2:23:58 | Samantha Hughes | QLD (AUS) | 2:39:44 |
| 2002 | Phillip Sly | VIC (AUS) | 2:22:28 | Sherryn Rhodes | VIC (AUS) | 2:47:08 |
| 2003 | Magnus Michelsson | VIC (AUS) | 2:14:00 | Loretta McGrath | VIC (AUS) | 2:49:01 |
| 2004 | Magnus Michelsson | VIC (AUS) | 2:26:51 | Belinda Schipp | NSW (AUS) | 2:54:01 |
| 2005 | Nick Harrison | VIC (AUS) | 2:23:30 | Sherryn Rhodes | VIC (AUS) | 2:50:35 |
| 2006 | Kazunari Suzuki | JPN | 2:23:43 | Karen Natoli | VIC (AUS) | 2:53:06 |
| 2007 | Rohan Walker | VIC (AUS) | 2:19:16 | Hanny Allston | TAS (AUS) | 2:40:34 |
| 2008 | Asnake Befikadu | ETH | 2:17:43 | Mai Tagami | JPN | 2:38:16 |
| 2009 | Asnake Befikadu | ETH | 2:17:32 | Lisa Flint | NSW (AUS) | 2:34:08 |
| 2010 | Japhet Kipkorir | KEN | 2:11:04 | Mulu Seboka | ETH | 2:32:20 |
| 2011 | Japhet Kipkorir | KEN | 2:11:11 | Irene Mogaka | KEN | 2:35:12 |
| 2012 | Jonathan Chesoo | KEN | 2:12:35 | Lauren Shelley | WA (AUS) | 2:36:29 |
| 2013 | Pius Dominic Ondoro | KEN | 2:10:47 | Lisa Weightman | VIC (AUS) | 2:26:05 |
| 2014 | Pius Dominic Ondoro | KEN | 2:11:30 | Nikki Chapple | VIC (AUS) | 2:31:05 |
| 2015 | Brad Milosevic | NSW (AUS) | 2:16:00 | Jess Trengove | SA (AUS) | 2:27:45 |
| 2016 | Thomas Do Canto | NSW (AUS) | 2:20:53 | Virginia Moloney | VIC (AUS) | 2:34:27 |
| 2017 | Isaac Birir | KEN | 2:14:08 | Celia Sullohern | NSW (AUS) | 2:29:27 |
| 2018 | Liam Adams | VIC (AUS) | 2:15:13 | Sinead Diver | VIC (AUS) | 2:25:19 |
| 2019 | Isaac Birir | KEN | 2:16:31 | Naomi Maiyo | KEN | 2:35:14 |
| 2021 | Brett Robinson | ACT (AUS) | 2:14:32 | Milly Clark | TAS (AUS) | 2:26:59 |
| 2022 | Timothy Ronoh | KEN | 2:09:12 | Beatrice Cheptoo | KEN | 2:27:48 |
| 2023 | Reece Edwards | VIC (AUS) | 2:14:54 | Gemma Maini | VIC (AUS) | 2:35:25 |
| 2024 | Jack Rayner | VIC (AUS) | 2:11:48 | Genevieve Gregson | QLD (AUS) | 2:28:13 |
| 2025 | Jack Rayner | VIC (AUS) | 2:15:02 | Caitlin Adams | SA (AUS) | 2:30:26 |