Qualifier entries for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival are designed for experienced runners who meet specific time standards in previous marathon or half marathon events. Qualifying events for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival are officially recognised races, like the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, that allow runners who finish in the top 50 in their gender to use their finishing times to secure a spot in the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival.
Runners who believe they meet the standards below can apply for a Qualifier entry via the official form. Please note, the application window will open in June 2025.
To apply for a 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. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-August 2025.
What is automatic qualification?
Any athlete achieving the Automatic Qualifying Times listed below will be eligible to apply for an automatic qualification entry into the Nike Melbourne Marathon or Nike Half Marathon.
Who can apply?
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.
How do I apply?
If you have achieved your required qualification time, you can apply through the form on our website which will open in June 2025. Please note only successful applicants will be contacted.
Nike Melbourne Marathon – Qualification Times
| Age Group | Male | Female |
| <39 | 2:45 | 3:10 |
| 40-49 | 2:55 | 3:20 |
| 50-59 | 3:05 | 3:30 |
| 60-69 | 3:30 | 4:00 |
| 70+ | 4:15 | 4:45 |
Nike Half Marathon – Qualification Times
| Age Group | Male | Female |
| <39 | 1:20 | 1:30 |
| 40-49 | 1:25 | 1:35 |
| 50-59 | 1:30 | 1:40 |
| 60-69 | 1:45 | 2:00 |
| 70+ | 2:00 | 2:30 |
Please note Time Qualification Applications have now closed.
FAQs
If I achieve the qualifying time for my age category am I guaranteed an entry?
No. Meeting the automatic qualifying time for your age category does not guarantee entry into the event, but allows you the opportunity to submit an application.
Is the age category applicable to the day I run a qualifying time or the age I will be at the time of the 2025 Nike Melbourne Marathon?
The age you were when you ran your qualifying time.
What is an AIMS certified course?
AIMS works in partnership with World Athletics and together have adopted the calibrated bicycle method as the only approved method for measuring road races. Accurate course measurement is a basic requirement of AIMS membership so runners can enter an AIMS road race with the full knowledge that the course will be accurate.
What is the difference between a automatic qualifying spot and a preferred start?
An automatic qualifying spot is an avenue for entry into our sold out events, a preferred start is offered to registered runners who meet those timing standards. If you are successful in earning an automatic qualifying spot, you may also be eligible to apply for a preferred start.
Am I able to transfer for automatic qualifying spot to a friend?
No, you are unable to transfer your entry through an automatic qualifying place to another runner. This entry is only applicable to you.
If my qualification application is for a Marathon Race category, am I able to transfer or apply to the Half Marathon Race Category and vice versa.’
No, you won’t be able to transfer into another event. Your qualifying time only grants you access to that direct race category.
