The 2025 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival has officially launched with record numbers, marking another milestone for Australia’s premier running festival. Continuous efforts to optimise the course and enhance the runner experience have enabled more participants to take part in the 2025 event with an increase in the Marathon capacity to 13,000 registered entries, with ambition and ongoing efforts for future expansion in capacity. After considerable lobbying efforts of the respective permitting authorities and city stakeholders , the 2024 event saw the full closure of Fitzroy St which provided a significantly enhanced experience for runners. In addition, after 7 years of closure, Domain Road was re-opened (Oct 12th) with our participants being the first to use the road; and after 5 years of construction, Metro Tunnel Works at the new Anzac station were complete. Respectively, these developments provided for a flatter and thus faster course and removed the poorly position hourglass effect at the 3km mark of the Marathon and Half Marathon.
Unprecedented demand saw the 42.195km Nike Melbourne Marathon and the 21.1km Nike Half Marathon reach general allocation capacity (86% of available entries) within hours of entries opening, highlighting the Festival’s growing popularity and Melbourne’s reputation and history as a world-class running destination. For more information on where the registrations are allocated please refer to figure 1.
For those who missed out, multiple avenues remain available until exhausted to secure a spot in these sold-out events:
- Charity Partners: 4% of entries are held by our official charity partners, allowing runners to secure their spot while raising funds for important causes. As a result of the event’s dedicated efforts to expand charity partnerships and participation opportunities, the 2025 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is projected to raise over $2 million for important causes, further solidifying its impact beyond the finish line.
- Qualifiers: 4% of entries are allocated to runners who have met the qualifying standards through specific races or performance benchmarks.
- Corporate Packages: 2% of registrations are allocated to corporate teams, encouraging organisations to participate in the event together, either for team-building or charity initiatives.
- Travel Partners: 1% of spots are dedicated to international and interstate runners, through our official travel partner Travelling Fit, providing opportunities for interstate and international participation in the Festival.
- Spartans: 1% of entries are reserved for Melbourne Marathon Spartans – those who have completed 10 or more Melbourne Marathons, honouring 46 years of history, traditions and loyalty.
- Volunteers: 1% of entries are allocated to volunteers who have dedicated their time supporting the festival the year prior, allowing them a guaranteed ticket to join the race they help bring to life.
- Partners: 1% of entries are allocated to our partners and sponsors, empowering them to distribute spots as they see fit, whether to clients, employees, or special initiatives.
Cancellation / Withdrawal Policy
The event has a favourable cancellation policy and reflects our commitment to our runners, allowing participants to withdraw and receive a refund up to two weeks before Race Day. For those unable to participate, we also offer a transfer window, providing the opportunity to pass their registration to a friend or family member. These initiatives ensure flexibility and fairness, enabling as many runners as possible to experience this iconic event.
Ballot System
To provide further opportunities for participation, two ballots will be run in 2025, one in April and another in July, to fulfill any spots made available due to withdrawals or release backs from unused entries above.
The waitlist for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival offers runners who missed out on the general allocation and chose not to pursue other avenues of access a priority opportunity to be the first to receive updates on available registrations and important news related to the 2025 event. By joining the waitlist, participants are given exclusive access to information on available avenues, including ballot updates, ensuring they have the best chance to secure their entry.
More Than a Race: A Festival Atmosphere
At its core, the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is a celebration of community, inclusivity, and achievement. The event prides itself on offering runners of all abilities a chance to finish on one of the most iconic finish lines in the world, the MCG. Participants also have the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with Australia’s elite distance runners, often including Olympians, on the same course, on the same day, at the same time. The vibrant festival atmosphere, roaring crowds, and electrifying energy of all distances crossing the finish line are crucial to creating a world-class experience for all participants.
While the 42.195km Nike Melbourne Marathon and the 21.1km Nike Half Marathon have reached capacity, registrations remain open for the SriLankan Airlines 10km Run and 5km events, providing accessible options for runners of all levels. Additionally, registrations for the Walk and Mini Marathon will open next year, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Supporting Australian Elite and Sub-Elite Runners
The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is deeply committed to celebrating and supporting Australian runners by prioritising homegrown elite and sub-elite athletes. By focusing on local talent, we ensure that our substantial prize pool remains accessible to Australian runners. Our focus is to provide our elite athletes with the best treatment of any marathon event, with personalised support, world-class facilities, and a platform to showcase their incredible talents on home soil and at the spiritual home of Australian Sport This dedication reflects our ongoing commitment to support and foster Australian running and provide the best possible experience for our top local athletes.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday 12 October 2025
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Events: 42.195km Nike Melbourne Marathon: sold out (alternative access via avenues above)
21.1km Nike Half Marathon: sold out (alternative access via avenues above)
SriLankan Airlines 10km Run: registrations on sale via melbournemarathon.com.au
5km Run: registrations on sale via melbournemarathon.com.au
Walk: registrations on sale later in the year
Mini Marathon: registrations on sale later in the year
For more information or any further media enquiries, please contact enquiries@melbournemarathon.com.au
