The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is set for another record-breaking year as it returns to Australia’s sporting capital on Sunday, 13 October.
With all running events sold out and a waitlist as large as the number of official entries, more than 40,000 participants of all ages and abilities are expected to hit the streets of Melbourne.

This year’s festival includes the debut of the Mini Marathon, giving children under 12 their own race on Saturday, 12 October.
The main events—the Nike Melbourne Marathon, Half Marathon, SriLankan Airlines 10km Run, and Big M 5km Run—will see runners finish at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the city’s stunning landmarks serving as a scenic backdrop.

Event Director, Marcus Gale, said organisers are delighted with the incredible demand to participate in this year’s Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival.
“All major events selling out in record time is a testament to the passion and commitment of the running community and support for our world class event. Fields have been increased and we continue to look for ways to meet demand,” Gale said.
“This year’s event will see the full closure of Fitzroy Street as well as the conclusion Metro Tunnel works providing smooth access across St Kilda Road and the reopening of Domain Road which will allow for a vastly Improved runner experience.

“Whether as a participant or a spectator, we invite everyone to join us in marking another record-breaking weekend filled with energy, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments,” he said.
Supported by title sponsor Nike, the event offers runners a unique experience with the Nike Run Club space at the Event Precinct, providing free training resources, music, and exclusive rewards. Off the course, the expanded Race Village and Runners Expo will entertain participants and spectators with live talks, music, food stalls, and more.

The festival also continues its legacy of charitable giving, aiming to surpass last year’s record of $1.1 million raised for charities like Running for Premature Babies and Beyond Blue.
The Melbourne Marathon Festival holds a special place in the hearts of generations of runners. In the past 46 years, hundreds of thousands of participants have raised tens of millions of dollars for charity, achieved countless personal goals and come together in an active celebration of the City of Melbourne.