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Half marathons near Melbourne VIC

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15 events with details to check

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Matching courses are highlighted. Age and price information may describe other activities at the same event.

Geelong City Race

Geelong City Race

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

22 Nov 2026

Geelong, VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event From $12.00 / entry Kids activities available

Geelong City Race is an urban navigation event that takes participants through Geelong’s streets, laneways, parks, and waterfront.Designed for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, the...

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Kids Fun Run With Puffing Billy

Kids Fun Run With Puffing Billy

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

29 Nov 2026

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event

The Kids Fun Run With Puffing Billy is a family-friendly running event held at Puffing Billy Railway Station in Gembrook, bringing children together for a lively day of...

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2027 Portarlington Gift

2027 Portarlington Gift

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

03 Jan 2027

Portarlington Cricket Club, 4-22 Sproat Street, Portarlington VIC 3223

Running Race or organised distance event

The 2027 Portarlington Gift is a Victorian Athletic League athletics carnival to be held on Sunday 3 January 2027 at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve. Athletes from across Victoria...

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Two Bays Trail Run

Two Bays Trail Run

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

17 Jan 2027

Permien Street, Dromana VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 28 km56 km Trail

Two Bays Trail Run. Great holiday vibe and multi-faceted course between Dromana on the Port Phillip Bay side and Cape Schanck on the Bass Strait side. That's a...

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Maribyrnong Valley Park Back Yard Ultra

Maribyrnong Valley Park Back Yard Ultra

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

05 Feb 2027 – 08 Feb 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event

The Maribyrnong Valley Park Back Yard Ultra is a last-one-standing trail running challenge held in Melbourne, with runners completing a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour until only one competitor...

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MVP Backyard Ultra (Maribyrnong Valley Park)

MVP Backyard Ultra (Maribyrnong Valley Park)

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

05 Feb 2027 – 08 Feb 2027

Keilor, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event From $100.00 / entry

MVP Backyard Ultra is a multi-day backyard ultra held at Brimbank Park in Keilor. The event begins on Friday, 5 February 2027, and is organised by TrailsPlus. Runners...

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Warburton Trail Festival

Warburton Trail Festival

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

06 Mar 2027 – 08 Mar 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 4.5 km14 km22 km27 km50 km Trail

The Warburton Trail Festival is a multi-day trail running event set in the Yarra Ranges, celebrating the region’s wild singletrack and river-country scenery. It features a long weekend...

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Run the Rock

Run the Rock

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

13 Mar 2027

Woodend, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km13.5 km22 km

Run the Rock is an annual off-road running event set in the scenic Macedon Ranges at Hanging Rock, a short drive from Woodend. It offers a family-friendly mix...

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Maroondah Dam Trail Run

Maroondah Dam Trail Run

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

18 Apr 2027

Maroondah Reservoir Park, Yarra Ranges, VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 10 km30 km50 km Trail

The Maroondah Dam Trail Run is the first race in the Mountain Trail Series, set within the stunning Yarra Ranges National Park, approximately one hour east of Melbourne....

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Run The Tan Showcase

Run The Tan Showcase

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

18 Apr 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event

Run The Tan Showcase is an annual Melbourne running event held on the iconic Tan Track, bringing together elite athletes, school teams, emergency services and everyday runners for...

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GoldRush Trail Run

GoldRush Trail Run

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

08 May 2027

Hepburn Springs, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km12 km Trail

The GoldRush Trail Run returns on Saturday 8 May 2027 in Lake Daylesford, Victoria, with new loop courses and a single start and finish area in the heart...

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Mother's Day Classic - Melbourne

Mother's Day Classic - Melbourne

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

09 May 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event

Mother’s Day Classic – Melbourne is a large community running and walking event held in Melbourne on Mother’s Day, bringing together participants of all ages to raise funds...

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Woodlands Trail Run

Woodlands Trail Run

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

23 May 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event Trail

Woodlands Trail Run is a trail running event offering 2km, 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km and 50km courses. Course maps are available for each distance, with race-day check-in, briefings...

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Unbreakable Mountain Trail Run

Unbreakable Mountain Trail Run

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

04 Jun 2027 – 07 Jun 2027

Marysville, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event Trail

Unbreakable is a challenging trail-running event inspired by the Barkley Marathons. The weekend-format event asks participants to follow a demanding, largely unrevealed course using a map and compass,...

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Bravehearts 777 Marathon - Melbourne

Bravehearts 777 Marathon - Melbourne

Not confirmed: full distance programme.

30 Jun 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event Road & paved paths

Choose your distance at the Melbourne leg of Bravehearts’ 777 Marathon, part of a seven-marathon, seven-city challenge held across seven consecutive days. Available courses include the full marathon,...

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I train for my first half-marathon?
A half-marathon typically requires 12-16 weeks of training. This is general guidance. Run 4-5 times per week: 2-3 shorter runs (5-8km), one long run building from 8km to 18-19km (about 80% of race distance), and one speed session. Increase your long run by 1-1.5km each week. Proper fueling and hydration become important at this distance.

How many months should I train for a half-marathon?
This is general guidance. If you're already running 20-30km per week, 8-10 weeks is reasonable. If starting from little running experience, allow 12-16 weeks. The longer timeline builds aerobic fitness safely and reduces injury risk. Don't rush the base-building phase—it's where most injuries happen.

What's a realistic pace for a half-marathon?
Half-marathon paces vary by fitness. General benchmarks: Beginners: 7-9 min/km (2:20-3:00 hours). Intermediate: 5.5-7 min/km (1:50-2:20 hours). Advanced: 4-5.5 min/km (1:20-1:50 hours). Most first-timers aim to finish, not set time goals. A negative split (second half faster than first) is a good strategy.

Do I need to do long runs to prepare for a half-marathon?
Yes. This is general training guidance. Long runs teach your body to sustain effort for extended periods and build aerobic capacity. They don't need to be the full 21km—running 18-19km (85-90% of race distance) is typically enough. One long run per week, with adequate recovery afterward, is key. This trains both body and mind.

What's the best way to get to events in Melbourne using public transport?
Melbourne's trains, trams and buses serve many event venues, but the best option depends on the exact start area and time. Browse events in Melbourne, check the event listing for its meeting point, then use the PTV journey planner to confirm services and planned disruptions. Allow extra time when large events affect roads or public transport.

What are popular running routes around Melbourne?
Melbourne running routes range from flatter paths beside the Yarra River and around Albert Park Lake to coastal routes and hillier trails in the Dandenong Ranges. Browse running events in Melbourne and check each listing for the actual start point, surface, distance and elevation; the route name alone does not indicate how accessible or challenging a course will be.

What should I prepare for Melbourne's unpredictable weather during events?
Melbourne is famous for variable weather—you can experience four seasons in one day. For events, wear layers you can remove or add. Choose moisture-wicking base layers in case of rain. Carry a light rain jacket in your bag. Morning events may be cool; afternoon can warm up quickly. Check the forecast the day before and be flexible. Waterproof sunscreen and a cap help in any conditions.

Where are events typically held in Melbourne?
Melbourne events use city precincts, sports venues, local parks, coastal areas and hillier locations such as the Dandenong Ranges. Popular settings include trails beside the Yarra and Melbourne parks. Browse events in Melbourne and check each listing for its exact venue, terrain and transport arrangements.

When's the best time of year for outdoor events in Melbourne?
Autumn (March-May) and early winter (June-August) are ideal—cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and often dry. Spring (September-November) can be unpredictable weather-wise. Summer (December-February) is hot and best suited for early-morning events. Most popular marathon season is autumn. If you prefer mild conditions, aim for April-June events in Melbourne.

What's the running culture like in Melbourne?
Melbourne has a strong running community: Parkrun (free, weekly timed 5K runs in parks, very popular), many running clubs and meetup groups, and a thriving road race calendar. The city values accessibility and inclusivity—most events welcome all abilities. Community events are huge, with festival atmospheres. It's a very runner-friendly city with excellent local expertise.

Are Melbourne courses mostly flat or hilly?
It's mixed. CBD and inner-suburb courses (Albert Park, Yarra River, Southbank) are mostly flat. Dandenong Ranges events are hilly and challenging. Coastal suburbs and outer-city events vary. Most events specify their elevation profile in the listing. If you're training for a specific course, review the elevation gain beforehand. 'Flat' doesn't exist in Victoria—expect some undulation.

Any safety considerations for Melbourne events?
Key hazards: tram lines in CBD routes (watch for them), wet/slippery paths in rain (shoes with good grip are crucial), uneven terrain in parks and trails, and variable weather. Bondi's coastal cliffs (not Melbourne, but coastal awareness applies). Run with lights or bright gear if starting/finishing in darkness. Check your route beforehand and note any hazardous sections.