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
Date
Distance
Sunday 11th October, 2026
21.1km
Start Line
Batman Avenue (150m North of Rod Laver Arena)
Finish Line
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Age Limit
16 years or older on race day
Entry Fees & Inclusions
Entry Fees:
Australian Residents: $190
International Entrants: $250
Inclusions:
- Entry
- Race Bib + Safety Pins
- Finishers Medal
- E-Certificate
Course Map
*Subject to change in 2026
Pacers
Pace Group Leaders will be expected to run at an even pace for the entire distance of their event and offer encouragement and information along the way. Keeping to your allocated pace and communication between yourself and the runners within your Pace Group is extremely important if everyone is to continue as a group. The following Pace Groups will be running in the Half Marathon:
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
2026 Pacer Applications will open at a later date
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 January 2025.
Applications for Preferred Starts must be made via the website 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. All applications are checked to guarantee times submitted are valid.
2026 PREFERRED START APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN AT A LATER DATE
Time Standard Qualifications
Time qualifier entries for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival are designed for runners who meet specific time standards in previous marathon or half marathon events. To apply for an automatic qualification, you need to achieve the relevant qualifying time displayed below in an in-person race with an AIMS certified course within the outlined qualifying window from 1st January 2025 – 1st September 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by the below dates:
All runners who meet the time qualifying standards are invited to apply, however achieving the qualifying standard does not guarantee an entry into the event. Should the number of applications exceed the number of spots available, entry will only be granted to the fastest of each age and gender category.
Drink Stations
Aid Station Locations
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Location
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Aid Station Total Dist. Km
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Supplied
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Medical
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Toilets
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Drink station locations subject to change*
Prize Money
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EVENT
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1st Place
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2nd Place
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3rd Place
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- All Prize Money is in Australian Dollars (AUD)
- All prize money may be subject to a deduction of Withholding Tax to the Australian Taxation Office for those who are not Australian residents.
Elite Athletes
The Nike 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 Gregson, Robinson, Batt-Doyle, Buchanan, Weightman, Adams, Stenson and Diver have represented the Green and Gold with distinction as a result of what they’ve achieved on the streets of Melbourne.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications are checked to guarantee times submitted are valid.
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MARATHON
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HALF MARATHON
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10KM
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2026 Applications are now open, apply below