Dili Marathon

Last updated: 29 July, 2026

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Run Where the Mountains Meet the Sea: The Dili International Marathon 2026

Discover a coastal marathon where the mountains meet the sea, with an intimate international field, Timorese culture and a distinctive race experience just a short trip from Australia.

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Event Highlights

A rare international race close to home

The Dili International Marathon offers Australian runners the chance to race overseas without travelling halfway around the world. Held in neighbouring Timor-Leste, it can be built into a distinctive running holiday with beaches, local culture and tropical scenery.

Four distances for every kind of runner

Choose from the full marathon, half marathon, 10km para-athlete race or 5km fun run, making it suitable for serious marathoners, recreational runners and travelling groups with mixed abilities.

Fast, flat waterfront racing

The course follows Dili’s waterfront and is promoted as fast and flat, creating an appealing opportunity for runners chasing a strong time while still enjoying coastal views through the Timorese capital. Professional MYLAPS timing is also used.

A certified international course

Both the marathon and half marathon are staged on a World Athletics-certified and AIMS-accredited course, giving runners confidence that the distances meet recognised international standards.

Be part of the landmark 10th edition

The 2026 event marks the 10th Dili International Marathon, adding extra significance and atmosphere to this year’s race. More than 5,000 participants from over 30 countries are expected.

Race in the heart of Dili

The route showcases Timor-Leste’s coastal capital, with the city positioned between the mountains and the sea. It is a very different race experience from Australia’s larger commercial city marathons.

An early start before the tropical heat

The marathon begins at 5:30am on Saturday, 8 August 2026, allowing runners to cover much of the course during the cooler part of the morning. The other races follow from approximately 6:00am.

More than just a race

The event brings together local Timorese runners and athletes from across ASEAN and beyond, giving Australians the chance to participate in one of Timor-Leste’s largest annual community sporting events.

Run with an environmental purpose

The 2026 theme is “Love Our Forests & Wildlife,” celebrating Timor-Leste’s biodiversity and encouraging protection of the country’s natural heritage.

Turn race weekend into an island adventure

Beyond the race, visitors can explore Dili’s waterfront, beaches and nearby landscapes, with Atauro Island located across the strait from the capital. That makes the event particularly attractive to Australians looking for a race combined with a less conventional tropical getaway.