{"id":8445,"date":"2025-12-09T04:50:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T18:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/gold-coast-marathon-2\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T20:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:44:25","slug":"melbourne-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/melbourne-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Nike Melbourne Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":8449,"template":"","event_types":[28,14,11],"event_locations":[12],"event_distances":[31,32,16,8],"event_course_types":[13],"event_seasons":[27],"class_list":["post-8445","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-10k-run","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-marathon","event_locations-australia","event_distances-10k","event_distances-5k","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-urban","event_seasons-winter"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":8448,"event_logo":8447,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"available","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"waitlist","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Join Waitlist","url":"#booknow","target":""}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Here","url":"https:\/\/bookingau.marathontours.com\/experience\/nike-melbourne-marathon-festival-2026\/144","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

Nike Marathon Festival \u2013 Australia\u2019s Premier Running Event<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nJoin thousands of runners at the Melbourne Marathon Festival<\/strong>, Australia\u2019s largest and most iconic road race. Held every October<\/strong>, this world-class event offers distances for all abilities: Full Marathon<\/strong>, Half Marathon<\/strong>, 10km<\/strong>, 5km<\/strong>, and family-friendly fun runs. Experience Melbourne\u2019s stunning landmarks, scenic coastal views, and finish with an unforgettable lap inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re chasing a personal best<\/strong>, qualifying for Boston<\/strong>, or running for charity, the Melbourne Marathon delivers a fast, flat course<\/strong>, expert pacing, and an electric atmosphere. With over 40,000 participants<\/strong>, live entertainment, and a vibrant race expo, it\u2019s more than a run\u2014it\u2019s a festival.\r\n\r\nPlease be aware packages are for international participants only.<\/em>\r\n\r\n ","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Breakfast Daily","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":"Guidance & support from our team"},"transfers":{"detail":"","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"Extra nights available on request"},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"3 or 4 nights in a Melbourne hotel close to the race"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Guaranteed Nike Marathon Marathon & Half Marathon Entry with packages"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Post-race celebration","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":""},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":""}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8448},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8450},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8453},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/zd2eQZJ5-eE?si=DdHnIobpsj3F8cro"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":8451}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"2026 Itinerary | Melbourne Marathon 3 Night Package","package_duration":"3 Nights \/ 4 Days","package_dates":"9 - 12 October 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Friday, 9 October","day_content":"Special Inclusions<\/strong>:\r\n- Meet and Greet<\/span>\r\n\r\nWelcome to Melbourne. Make your arrangements at the hotel.\r\n

This afternoon, join the Marathon Tours & Travel team along with runners from all over the world. You'll enjoy some light refreshments and a drink on arrival.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The rest of the evening is at your leisure, whether you're resting or want to explore Melbourne's many delicious restaurants. Feel free to ask for a recommendation.<\/span><\/p>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, 10 October","day_content":"

Today you are free to visit the expo and explore Melbourne<\/span>. Our representatives will be in the hotel lobby to provide guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This evening is at leisure to prep for Sunday's Marathon. As always, we recommend booking a table in advance to ensure you can dine at your preferred restaurant.<\/span><\/p>"},{"day_title":"Sunday 11 October - Race Day","day_content":"Special Inclusions<\/strong>:\r\n- Post-run celebration\r\n

Marathon day is here! After an early breakfast, make your way to the start line. Our representatives will be in the hotel lobby to provide guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the afternoon, we'll meet up for post-race celebrations, saying cheers to all of our runners on an amazing accomplishment!<\/span><\/p>"},{"day_title":"Monday, 12 October","day_content":"Unless you have booked extra nights with us then today is the day you check out of your room and we say thank you for joining us. It\u2019s not goodbye but instead, we\u2019ll see you next time.<\/span>"}]}],"event_extensions":"","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"

2026 PACKAGE INCLUDES:<\/h3>\r\n