Ballarat Marathon – the spiritual Home of Distance Running

Ballarat has a rich sporting and cultural history. The Ballarat Marathon and Running Festival 2026 is designed to celebrate this. Held annually in late April, the Ballarat Marathon will be a two-day running festival, open to both elite and recreational athletes. Our event will showcase one of regional Australia’s most beautiful and historic cities and promote health and wellbeing across the community.

Ballarat Marathon and Running Festival 2026

Event Distances:

• Marathon (42.195km) – Sunday, 26 April 2026
• Half Marathon (21.1km) – Sunday, 26 April 2026
• 10km – Sunday, 26 April 2026
• 5km – Saturday, 25 April 2026
• 1 Mile – Saturday, 25 April 2026
• Wheelchair Half Marathon (21.1km) – Sunday, 26 April 2026

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Ballarat Marathon and Running Festival 2026, a two-day celebration of running set in the heart of Australia’s best-preserved gold rush-era city. Held over the weekend of Saturday, 25 April, and Sunday, 26 April 2026, this festival offers distances to suit runners of all levels, from elite athletes to first-time participants.

Explore Ballarat’s autumnal beauty as you run along historic streets, through Victoria Park, and around Lake Wendouree. With World Athletics Certified Courses, generous prize money, and an exciting event village at the Ballarat Town Hall, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.

Event Details

Marathon (42.195km)

• Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
• Start Time: 8:00am
• Start-Finish Location: Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt St, Ballarat Central
• Course: Two laps of Steve Moneghetti’s scenic 21.1km course, now flatter and faster
• Cut-Off Time: 6 hours
• Bib Collection: Ballarat Civic Hall, 300-304 Mair St, Ballarat Central (no postage available)
• Minimum Age: 18

Prize Money (Men’s & Women’s):

• First: $6,000 | Second: $2,000 | Third: $1,000 | Fourth: $500 | Fifth: $250
  Time Bonuses (Winner Only):
• Men: Sub-2:15 ($1,000), Sub-2:12:30 ($2,000), Sub-2:10 ($3,000)
• Women: Sub-2:32:30 ($1,000), Sub-2:30 ($2,000), Sub-2:27:30 ($3,000)

Half Marathon (21.1km)

• Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
• Start Time: 8:00am (7:50am for Wheelchair Half Marathon)
• Start-Finish Location: Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt St, Ballarat Central
• Course: One scenic lap, taking in Victoria Park, the Arch of Victory, and Lake Wendouree
• Cut-Off Time: 6 hours
• Bib Collection: Ballarat Civic Hall
• Minimum Age: 18

Prize Money (Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair Divisions):

• First: $2,000 | Second: $1,000 | Third: $500 | Fourth: $250 | Fifth: $125

10km

• Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
• Start Time: 11:30am
• Start Location: Corner of Sturt and Raglan streets, Ballarat Central
• Finish Location: Ballarat Town Hall, Sturt St
• Cut-Off Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Course: A flat route featuring Lake Wendouree’s picturesque scenery
• Bib Collection: Ballarat Civic Hall
• Minimum Age: 13

Prize Money (Men’s & Women’s):

• First: $1,000 | Second: $500 | Third: $250

5km

• Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
• Start Times:
  • 2:15pm: Mass Start
  • 3:15pm: Women’s Elite
  • 3:45pm: Men’s Elite
• Start-Finish Location: Ballarat Town Hall, Sturt St
• Course: Two laps of a 2.5km route through Ballarat’s historic streets
• Bib Collection: Ballarat Civic Hall
• Minimum Age: All children under 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult

Elite Prize Money (Men’s & Women’s):

• First: $2,000 | Second: $1,000 | Third: $500 | Fourth: $250 | Fifth: $125

Pricing: Adults: $50–$75; Children (5–12): $25–$37.50; Under 4: Free

1 Mile

• Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
• Start Times:
  • 4:15pm: Mass Start
  • 4:45pm: 16 & Under Boys Elite, 16 & Under Girls Elite
  • 5:00pm: Women’s Elite
  • 5:15pm: Men’s Elite
• Start-Finish Location: Ballarat Town Hall, Sturt St
• Course: A fast dash through Ballarat’s city streets, perfect for elites and newcomers
• Bib Collection: Ballarat Civic Hall
• Minimum Age: All children under 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult

Elite Prize Money (Men’s & Women’s):

• First: $2,000 | Second: $1,000 | Third: $500 | Fourth: $250 | Fifth: $125

Pricing: Adults: $30–$45; Children (5–12): $15–$22.50; Under 4: Free

Why Run the Ballarat Marathon and Running Festival?

• Certified Courses: All distances are World Athletics Certified, perfect for setting official PBs.
• Generous Prizes: Over $60,000 in prize money across events, including time bonuses for marathon winners.
• Scenic Routes: Explore Ballarat’s rich history and stunning autumn colours on flat, fast courses.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Enjoy live music, food carts, and community cheer at the event village.
• Inclusive Events: Options for runners of all abilities, from the marathon to family-friendly distances.

Join us in Ballarat for an unforgettable weekend of running, community, and celebration. Register now to secure your spot in one of Australia’s most exciting running festivals!