Half-Marathons in Australia: A New Way of Travelling

Running is EVERYWHERE. And in Australia, it’s pretty obvious to see why! With year-round sunshine, amazing coastal walks and some great city routes, the kms are actually enjoyable (yep, that can actually happen). If you love being outdoors, then running is a fab way to get out and get some vitamin D.

It’s easy to get the running bug, and that ‘high’ they talk about is true! So it won’t be long before you’re thinking of signing up for your first half-marathon in Australia. And we’ll let you in on an insider’s tip: marathons aren’t just about the race. Heaps of runners plan trips around these events, so you can turn it into a proper getaway once the race is over. ‘Marathon travel’ is a trend we reckon a lot of people can get on board with, even if you just show up to cheer up the participants.

It’s actually really easy to find something that suits you. The half-marathon calendar in Australia is packed with tons of options for each level. Plus there’s events across the year in some pretty amazing locations that make the plan worthy. If you’re chasing a PB or just want to show off on Stava, check out the list to discover which one is the ideal for you.

Jump to:

• EVA AIR BRISBANE MARATHON
• ASICS GOLD COAST MARATHON
• TCS SYDNEY MARATHON
• EVA AIR SUNSHINE COAST MARATHON FESTIVAL
• MELBOURNE MARATHON
• HBF RUN FOR A REASON IN PERTH
• TO WRAP IT UP!
• FAQS

1. Eva Air Brisbane Marathon

The Eva Air Brisbane Marathon takes place in June, and is one of the oldest races on the calendar. Brissy is an amazing city, and that river run is definitely a highlight.

The half-marathon starts and finishes near Brisbane CBD, usually around Alice St and the City Botanic Gardens. After that, runners head along the Brisbane River, taking in the Story Bridge and the South Bank, before looping back into the city. Brisbane is a cool, laid-back city, and the race feels like that too (no stress, just good sunny vibes).

We reckon Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower is a solid option for accommodation. It’s really in the middle of everything, so you can get to the race point easily while you get to enjoy a prime location for your post-running plans (best of both worlds, right?). With 1, 2 and 3 bedroom serviced apartments, they’re the perfect choice to spend a couple of days and still want all the comforts of home.

2. Asics Gold Coast Marathon

Taking place in July, Gold Coast Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Australia.

If you like your half-marathons flat and fast, then it’s a good fit for you. It’s really popular for PB chasers too. It usually starts near Broadwater Parklands in Southport and follows the coast. You’ll get to see plenty of stunning ocean views before ending up back where all began. And there’s beauty on it.

Stay at Oaks Gold Coast Hotel if you want to stay close by. It’s about 10 minutes away by tram or car so it’s perfect for race day starts. Plus you’ll also be near Surfers Paradise for some fun and well-earned drink once the hard work’s done.

3. TCS Sydney Marathon

The TCS Sydney Marathon takes place in August, and it’s quickly become one of the top events in the Australia half-marathon scene.

The course usually starts near the Cahill Expressway, and then runners cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge (yep, that’s one of the must see spots while in Sydney) before weaving through the city and finishing near the Opera House. If you love a view when running, this is one of the ones to beat. Just don’t get to comfy, there’re some sneaky hills waiting to surprise you.

A stay at Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Plaza puts you in a great place for race day. You’re within easy reach of the starting area and having extra space and facilities makes pre-race prep and post-race recovery a bit more comfortable.

If you’re not quite ready to take on a marathon or half-marathon, Sydney has plenty of options. There are loads of fun runs in Sydney throughout the year for some shorter, more relaxed events. They’re a great way to get involved on a shorter distance, or as part of your training.

4. Eva Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival

If your idea of the perfect marathon includes sunshine and sea breeze, Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is the one you were thinking of without even knowing it. Held in August, is a solid choice for a coastal run with a cool vibe.

The course runs along Alexandra Headland, and there’s some long stretches along the ocean and views that make the distance feel a bit easier (and a bit means a lot while running, you know that). The start and finish are close together too, so it’s a good one to do without stressing about logistics way too much.

Staying at Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort will be a great choice. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the starting line and offers a beachside setting, perfect for soaking up some downtime. And if you’re travelling with a whole crew (family or even mates) to support your sporty goal of the month, you should check out Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort. It’s about 30 minutes away by car, but the commute will be more than worthwhile when you see that it has an onsite waterpark.

5. Melbourne Marathon

Another must-do in July is the Melbourne Half-Marathon. Runners fly in from all over the country and it’s one of those that you’ll love to attend even as a spectator as it attracts thousands of runners and the vibe is just something else.

The race starts along Batman Avenue and then goes through Melbourne’s CBD. The roads are closed, so you can see all of the city’s big landmarks before finishing at Melbourne Park. It’s quite a flat and speedy route, so it’s good for serious runners, but also ideal for newbies.

If you’d like to stay nearby, Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites makes an excellent base. You’ll be in the CBD, so within easy reach of the start line on Batman Avenue, and close to transport, trendy cafés and everything you might need before and after the race.

6. HBF Run for a Reason in Perth

The HBF Run for a Reason is in May and is one a huge Perth community run. It's quite popular with locals and a top pick if you’re keen to start with half-marathons in Australia thanks to its flat and fast course with a vibrant atmosphere.

It starts at the corner of Hay St and William St. Runners then go through the CBD and out, where the roads are a bit more open, before going back to the city for the finish.

If you want to be somewhere central, we reckon Oaks Perth Hotel is ideal. It’s close to the start line to avoid race morning stress, and you’ve got everything you need close by once you’re done.

To wrap it up!

Signing up for one of the events in the half-marathon calendar in Australia isn’t just about the race. It’s a mix of pros, fun-runners and people who just genuinely love to run. It’s an amazing way to explore new places, getting to know different cities and add something extra to typical travels.

There’s heaps of events spread across the year. You can start with fun runs in Sydney to build up your stamina and then tackle a coastal half. There’s some really good spots, and some amazing crowds for top marathon experiences. So, what are you waiting for?