Stretch those calves and get ready to hit the pavement (or cheer from the sidelines!) – the 2026 Ballarat Marathon is almost here!
Now one of Australia’s premier road running festivals, the popular event is returning to the scenic streets of Ballarat this Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April.
More than 12,000 entrants are expected to participate across all distances in 2026, with the full marathon and half marathon sold out well in advance of race weekend.
Limited entries remain open for the 10km, 5km and mile (1.6km) events.
Sanctioned by World Athletics, the Ballarat Marathon is now the fourth‑largest full marathon in Australia, behind only Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne.
The 2026 schedule
Saturday 25 April
- GYG 5km
- Ballarat Subaru Mile
Sunday 26 April
- Running Warehouse Marathon
- Federation University Half Marathon
- City of Ballarat 10km
All races start and finish out the front of the Ballarat Town Hall, showcasing historic streets, autumn parklands and a World Athletics‑certified course designed by Australian Olympian and Ballarat running legend Steve Moneghetti.
The two-lap course perfectly captures what makes Ballarat a standout regional city – the grand Sturt Street boulevard, peaceful Victoria Park, the Arch of Victory and the shores of Lake Wendouree.
Entertainment will be spread throughout the course, with live music and community groups helping to cheer runners on, while the event village and presentations will create a focal point for celebrations in the CBD.
Almost 30 local cafes, restaurants and bars are once again throwing their support behind the event through the popular Carb Party, with dozens of carb‑loaded dishes set to fuel runners and spectators alike.
Check out the full carb-licious line-up at ballaratmarathon.com.au
A host of Ballarat cafes are also opening early on Sunday 26 April to ensure runners and their supporters get their early coffee fix before the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km races.
All the details at ballaratmarathon.com.au
