Canberra Marathon Festival Unveils Exciting Two-Day Format for 2026
If you missed out on securing a spot in the Sydney or Melbourne marathon ballots this year, there is still a fantastic opportunity to achieve a personal best. The Canberra Times Marathon Festival, presented by TCS, is stepping forward as Australia's oldest city marathon, now entering a bold new era with a refreshed two-day festival format.
Event Details and Schedule for April 11-12
On April 11 and 12, 2026, Canberra will host a series of running events designed to cater to everyone. This weekend brings together seasoned marathoners, first-time runners, and families to enjoy a festival that seamlessly blends fitness, community, and culture.
On Saturday, April 11, events open to the public include a 10km race, a 5km race, and a 2km kids' dash. Additionally, there will be half and full marathon options available for those seeking longer distances.
On Sunday, April 12, the festival continues with a marathon (42.2km) event and a half marathon (21.1km) option, providing ample opportunities for runners of all abilities to participate and excel.
Partnership and Vision for Growth
Event organisers Sole Motive have partnered with the ACT Government with ambitious goals to elevate the event on both the national and international running calendars. Lisa Holmes, CEO of Sole Motive, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration.
"We are thrilled to partner with the ACT Government to transform the future of the Canberra Marathon," said Holmes. "Together, we're elevating the event into a truly iconic marathon that celebrates the joy of running and everything that makes Canberra a world-class destination."
She added, "This new phase of long-term growth is designed to boost participation, attract interstate and international runners, and position the capital as a world-class destination. With registrations now open, we're ready to welcome runners from across Australia and overseas to experience our new two-day format in 2026."
Scenic Routes and Iconic Landmarks
The festival will feature scenic courses that take advantage of Canberra's closed roads, passing many iconic landmarks. Runners will enjoy views of Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin, making for a memorable and picturesque running experience.
Record Growth and Future Prospects
Since 2019, the event has more than doubled in size, with record participation in 2025. 2026 is set to be the biggest year yet, building on this momentum and the new festival format to attract even more participants.
This transformation aims to create a inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, encouraging people from all walks of life to join in the festivities and embrace the spirit of running.
