Best marathons in Australia
3 rated races, ranked by an overall score built from racer reviews and race reports. How we score
3 races
Overall score 3.8Very good#72 of 297Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 2 runner ratings
Climbing 62 m (205 ft)
1. Gold Coast Marathon
Overall score 3.8Very goodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 2 runner ratingsTop 25%#72 of 297 overallSouthport, Australia · Next race 4 Jul 2027
Racers loveFlat, fast beachside course with only 62 m (203 ft) of gain.
Watch outWind: runners in 2019 and 2024 faced a headwind over the last 4 to 5 km (2.5 to 3.1 mi).
“It was a pretty awesome day.” run.vince.run race review
- Air
- 10–18 °C (50–64 °F)
- Climbing
- 62 m (205 ft)
- Field
- about 15,000
- Best
- Conditions 4.4
- Weakest
- Entry 2.9
Overall score 3.6Very good#96 of 297Strong evidence · 10 sources + 24 runner ratings
Climbing 313 m (1,030 ft)
2. TCS Sydney Marathon
Overall score 3.6Very goodStrong evidence · 10 sources + 24 runner ratingsTop 33%#96 of 297 overallSydney, Australia · Next race 29 Aug 2027
Racers loveCross the Harbour Bridge at 2 to 3 km (mile 1.2 to 1.9), then finish at the Opera House.
Watch out313 m (1,027 ft) of climbing, the most of any Major, with the hard part after 30 km (19 mi).
“complete and utter chaos” WeeViews (Michael Vaughan)
- Air
- 8–18 °C (46–64 °F)
- Climbing
- 313 m (1,030 ft)
- Field
- about 36,000
- Best
- Course 4.5
- Weakest
- Entry 1.8
Overall score 2.1Below par#296 of 297Moderate evidence · 7 sources
3. Melbourne Marathon Festival (Nike Melbourne Marathon)
Overall score 2.1Below parModerate evidence · 7 sourcesBottom 1%#296 of 297 overallMelbourne, Australia · Last race 11 Oct 2026
Racers loveThe finish is a lap inside the MCG, which reviewers rate as the highlight.
Watch outIn 2026 water ran dry, with one runner reporting none between 8 and 25 km (5 and 15.5 mi).
“there was no water at all between 8K and 25K” Marathon Handbook: water shortage
- Air
- 8–22 °C (46–72 °F)
- Field
- about 14,500
- Best
- Stay and travel 3.8
- Weakest
- Race 1.7
About these ratings
Races are ranked by an overall score out of 5, built from racer reviews and race reports, on the race itself, course, support, conditions, travel and entry. 5 is always the better end. How we rate
Marathon course: 42.2 km (26.2 mi).
23 racer reviews and race reports.
Browse all 3 races, A to Z
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