Nike Half Marathon

Take the challenge of this iconic half marathon, and race past Melbourne’s famous landmarks before you finish with a lap of the hallowed turf of the ‘G’. Whether it’s your first time, or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll love the buzz of being involved in something this big.

Event Information

Entry Fees & Inclusions

Please note entry fees are subject to change at any time, so sign up early to secure the best pricing. $115 Inclusions:

• Entry
• Race Bib
• Safety Pins
• Race Information Booklet
• Competitor Gift*
• Optional Post Run Massage
• Finishers Medal
• E-Certificate

*Please note Competitor Gifts can only be collected from the Gift Collection Tent located at the MCG during Race Week Office opening hours. You must bring your bib with you in order to collect your gift.

Course Description

Start at Batman Avenue.

Head north along Batman Avenue; left into Flinders Street, left into Swanston Street, cross to northbound (west side) service lane at Princes Bridge and then head south along St Kilda Road.

At St Kilda Junction, turn right into Fitzroy Street then right into Lakeside Drive and do an anticlockwise lap of Albert Park Lake.

The Lake loop requires you to turn left into Albert Road Drive from Lakeside Drive and left into Aughtie Drive continuing around the Albert Park Lake roadway.

At the Carousel carpark, proceed behind and around Pits Building using Aughtie Walk, entering the pit lane in Aughtie Drive before U-turning approx. 300m past the Pits Building.

Proceed along Aughtie Drive to a right hand turn into Village Green Rd and right into Lakeside Drive and LEFT in to Fitzroy St.

Turn left into the St Kilda Road northbound service lanes and continue to LEFT hand turn into Southbank Blvd, right hand turn into Sturt St and proceed (under the St Kilda Rd) along Alexandra Ave to a right hand turn into Linlithgow Ave.

Proceed along Linlithgow Ave (note: HALF Marathon STAY on the RIGHT) until the right hand turn into St Kilda Road.

Proceed along St Kilda Road to a right hand turn at Princes Walk (just prior to) Fed Square.

Run along the path next to Birrarung Marr before veering right on to the William Barak Bridge.

At the end of the bridge, make a hairpin left hand turn on to Jolimont St followed by a left turn on to Brunton Avenue before a final left hand turn left into MCG Gate C where you will complete one lap of the MCG and cross the finish line.

Aerial course map

Course Map

2021 Melbourne Marathon Course Map

Elevation Map

Pacers

The following Pace Groups will be running in the Half Marathon in 2021:

Running with a Pacer

• If you are a participating athlete and wish to join a Pace Group, please look out for the Pace Group signs at the Start Area on race day.
• You do not need to register your interest.
• All Pace Group Leaders will be easily identifiable in event gear with their particular pace time clearly visible.

Becoming a Pacer

Pacer Applications for the half marathon will open in July 2021. 

Preferred Starts

Once you have successfully registered for the event, you can apply for a Preferred Start, which is a starting position immediately behind the Elite field. To be granted a preferred start you must have achieved the following qualifying times for your event since 1st July 2019:

Applications for Preferred Starts must be made online and should include details of the races (i.e. race name, date and distance) at which qualifying performances have been achieved. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Any participants who are not registered will not be considered.  All applications are checked to guarantee times submitted are valid. Applications for preferred starts are now closed. Successful applicants will receive an approval email prior to the event with further details.  If you have legitimately achieved the performance standards above you are guaranteed a Preferred Start.  For first time Marathon or Half Marathon runners performances at shorter distance events will be considered. The Preferred Start zone is located immediately next to the start line on the river side and will have a number of exclusive toilets for the Elites and Preferred Starters.  On race morning approved applicants are to report to the Preferred Start Zone and have their name checked off at one of two entry points. Please note: applying for a Preferred Start is a separate process to the online race entry system. Applying for a Preferred Start does not guarantee race entry, so please be aware of the race entry cut off times and field limits.

Drink Stations

Drink Station Locations

Prize Money

*Amounts in AUD An athlete’s assistant package is available on application for runners who have a performance since the 1st January 2020 that is better than our course record. Please note: International athletes will be subject to Withholding Tax, however may be able to claim back if agreements exist between Australia and their country of residence.

Elite Athletes

The Melbourne Marathon Festival has a proud history of supporting Australia and New Zealand’s elite runners.  With more Australians qualifying for the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games than any other domestic event in the past decade, there is no doubt that the fast Melbourne course provides a perfect vehicle for quality performances.  Names like Weightman, Adams, Trengove and Diver have represented the Green and Gold with distinction as a result of what they’ve achieved on the streets of Melbourne. In 2020 this tradition will continue with support packages available to athletes who have achieved the following standards since July 2nd 2019:

For further information on the support packages or to register your interest, please submit an application here.