Canberra Marathon
The Lowdown
The Canberra Marathon is the headline event of the Canberra Times Marathon Festival, Australia's oldest city marathon, held annually since 1976 in the nation's capital. The AIMS-certified marathon course starts near Old Parliament House on King George Terrace, Parkes, and loops through the Parliamentary Triangle, past the Australian War Memorial and along Anzac Parade, with scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin throughout. The festival runs across a full weekend: the marathon and half marathon are run on Sunday, while the 10 km, 5.4 km, and a kids' fun run take place the day before. The event carries The Canberra Times title-sponsorship and draws entrants from across Australia given its status as the national capital's signature road race.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Lake Burley Griffin
Old Parliament House
Parliament House
Australian War Memorial
Anzac Parade
Parliamentary Triangle
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Canberra, ACT, Australia
AU
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Marathon participants must be 18 years or older on race day
Required Documents
- Photo ID
Entry Methods
- Online registration via RaceRoster (linked from the official Sole Motive event site)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the official cancellation and deferral policy on solemotive.com before registering
The festival also includes a 5.4 km run and a kids' 2.3 km dash on the Saturday before the marathon.
Course is AIMS-certified and measured to World Athletics standards; described by organizers as fast and relatively flat/open.
Presented under The Canberra Times naming-rights sponsorship; organized by Sole Motive.
Shuttle bus service available for Sunday race participants.
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