How to Register for the Melbourne Marathon?

With more than 30,000 runners expected and seven races on the schedule, the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival has established itself as one of the biggest running events in the Southern Hemisphere. Held in Australia’s second-largest metropolitan area after Sydney, the event has become a must for Australian runners as well as international participants.
The 2026 edition, which will mark the 48th running of the race, will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and once again promises a true celebration of running. Here’s everything you need to know to secure a coveted bib for this iconic race.

| A true running festival

The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is much more than just a marathon. It’s a full weekend dedicated to running, with seven races on the program: Marathon (42.195 km), Wheelchair marathon, Half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, Walk event, and Kids’ race (1 km). The marathon course is spectacular: it starts on Batman Avenue, near Rod Laver Arena, and finishes inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)—one of the most iconic stadiums in the country. The marathon is open to runners aged 18 or older on race day.

| Lottery-based registration

Due to the growing popularity of the event, entry to the Melbourne Marathon is primarily managed through a lottery system. This approach helps handle high demand while ensuring fair distribution of bibs, especially for international runners.

➜ 78% of marathon bibs are allocated via the lottery
➜ 88% of half-marathon bibs are allocated the same way

For the 2026 edition, more than 52,000 runners entered the lottery. Registration usually opens one year in advance, typically in November. The organizer also offers “second-chance” lotteries. Places are limited, but runners can apply via the official website.

| How much does a Melbourne Marathon bib cost?

For the 2026 edition, announced marathon prices are:
➜ Australian residents: 235 AUD
➜ International runners: 295 AUD

The fee includes: Official race bib and safety pins, Finisher medal, Nike finisher T-shirt, and Digital race certificate. Other distances (half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, etc.) have separate, generally more affordable pricing structures.

| Other ways to secure a bib

Join the Spartans Club
The Spartans Club is made up of Melbourne Marathon legends—runners who have completed the marathon 10 times. Membership grants guaranteed entry, and 3% of marathon bibs are allocated through this channel.

Run for charity
Another option is to register as a charity runner. About 5% of marathon participants take this route, fundraising for one of the 30+ partner charities associated with the event.

Participate in the Great Ocean Road Running Festival
A portion of bibs (around 5%) is reserved for runners who have completed the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, held in May along Australia’s iconic coastline. This pathway rewards runners for year-round commitment.

Qualify by time
Around 3% of runners enter via time qualification, mainly elites and sub-elites. For runners under 39:
Men: sub-2:45
Women: sub-3:10
Meeting the standard does not automatically guarantee entry—if applications exceed quotas, the fastest runners in each category are selected.

Volunteer
In partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre, volunteers may earn a guaranteed bib for the following year. Roughly 1% of marathon runners are former volunteers.

Tour operators
For a stress-free, all-inclusive option, runners can book through Marathons Tours & Travel, the official travel partner, combining bib, hotel, and transport.

| Club 42: the ultimate Melbourne marathon experience

Club 42 is a brand-new premium offering for runners seeking an unforgettable VIP experience. Limited to 42 participants (one per kilometer), it turns marathon weekend into a luxury event from Friday to Sunday.

Highlights include:
✔ Two nights at Pullman Melbourne On The Park, steps from the MCG
✔ Private MCG tour and pre-race finish-line photo
✔ Meet-and-greet with Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti
✔ Exclusive Nike Store access with 40% discount
✔ Premium race pack including Nike Pegasus Plus shoes and a Club 42 exclusive jacket
✔ Priority start corral, private lounges, premium recovery (showers, massage, lunch overlooking the finish)
✔ Price: 1,950 AUD. A first-of-its-kind experience, set to become a Melbourne tradition.

| VIR Experience: run like a Very Important Runner

The VIR Experience offers enhanced comfort without the ultra-premium level of Club 42. Available for both marathon and half marathon, it includes:
✔ Distinctive gold-trimmed bib
✔ Access to private VIR lounges at the MCG
✔ Dedicated bag check, restrooms, warm drinks and snacks
✔ Guided warm-up and on-site support staff
✔ Post-race showers, massage, and light meal
✔ Official post-event gift

Pricing: Marathon: +360 AUD, Half marathon: +315 AUD. Runners already registered can upgrade to VIR later.

| A race that blends performance and enjoyment

The Melbourne Marathon caters to all levels. Official pacers are available from 2:50 to 5:30, helping runners manage their race and target realistic goals. While not a World Major, the event attracts a strong elite field thanks to attractive prize money—up to 25,000 AUD for the winner, with rewards through 5th place.

In 2025, the race saw:
➜ Caitlin Adams claim victory in 2:30:26
➜ Jack Rayner win in 2:15:02 (new course record)

© Nike Melbourne Marathon

© Nike Melbourne Marathon

© Nike Melbourne Marathon

© Nike Melbourne Marathon

Running in Melbourne means discovering a city passionate about sport, famous for its atmosphere, enthusiastic crowds, and world-class organization. Finishing inside the MCG, in front of legendary stands, is one of the most memorable moments in Australian running. Add a perfectly organized event, multiple race distances, and a festive weekend vibe, and the Melbourne Marathon checks every box for a major international marathon—still relatively unknown in Europe, but a true must in the Pacific region.

✔ Find all registration details for the Melbourne Marathon.

Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist