Australia is home to some of the largest and most iconic running events in the world, and demand continues to surge heading into 2026.
From mass-participation fun runs that shut down entire cities to world-class marathon festivals attracting international elites, these events are more than races — they are cultural moments that bring communities together.
Using official 2025 finisher data, this guide ranks the 10 biggest running events in Australia, providing runners with inspiration, insight, and practical planning advice for the year ahead.
📈 Why enter early?
Across these events, average finisher numbers increased by 12.5% from 2024, with many races selling out months in advance. If one of these events is on your 2026 bucket list, early entry is essential (some are already sold out!).
1. City2Surf
73,255 finishers in 2025 (↓ 5.8%)
Australia’s most famous fun run, City2Surf delivers a uniquely Australian race-day experience, taking runners on a 14km journey from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach. It’s the only event in the top 10 to have less finishers in 2025 than in 2024 – possibly related to the changed timing and rapid growth of the Sydney Marathon.
More than just a run, City2Surf is a city-wide celebration, blending live entertainment, charity fundraising, costumes, and community spirit. The infamous Heartbreak Hill provides a rite of passage for first-timers, while the coastal finish rewards runners with one of the most iconic backdrops in world running.
Whether you’re chasing a time, running for charity, or soaking up the atmosphere, City2Surf remains the benchmark for mass-participation running in Australia.
2. Sydney Marathon Festival
47,653 finishers in 2025 (↑ 46.1%)
Including 32,980 marathon finishers
Now officially part of the World Marathon Majors, the Sydney Marathon has rapidly become one of the most sought-after marathon entries globally.
The course delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience — crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, weaving through the Royal Botanic Garden, and finishing in front of the Sydney Opera House. In 2024, the festival removed the half marathon to focus exclusively on the full distance, reinforcing its elite marathon positioning in 2025.
With a ballot entry system and limited places, this is the most competitive races to enter in Australia.
3. Melbourne Marathon Festival
40,466 finishers in 2025 (↑ 15.3%)
Including 12,145 marathon finishers
One of Australia’s premier distance-running festivals, the Melbourne Marathon Festival showcases the city at its best.
The course winds past Melbourne’s most recognisable landmarks before finishing inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — a moment that remains unforgettable for runners of all levels. With events ranging from the marathon and half marathon to shorter community races, the festival caters to elite athletes, recreational runners, and families alike.
With strong international recognition and rising participation, this event continues to cement its place as a must-run race on the Australian calendar. In 2026 it will be held over two days.
4. Gold Coast Marathon
33,265 finishers in 2025 (↑ 26.9%)
Including 12,710 in the Marathon
Famous for its flat, fast, and scenic course, the Gold Coast Marathon is Australia’s premier destination for personal bests.
Held across a full weekend, the festival includes the marathon, half marathon, 10km, and junior events. The coastal route delivers uninterrupted ocean views, exceptional organisation, and strong international participation.
It’s a favourite for both first-time marathoners and seasoned athletes chasing qualifying times.
5. Run for a Reason
32,679 finishers in 2025 (↑ 3.4%)
Perth’s flagship running event, Run for a Reason blends fitness, inclusivity, and philanthropy.
Offering distances including the half marathon, 12km, and 4km, the event attracts runners, walkers, families, and corporate teams. The scenic course showcases Perth’s parks and riverfront while supporting dozens of charities.
Raising over $1.2 million annually, this event proves that big participation and big impact can go hand in hand.
6. Bridge to Brisbane
30,925 finishers in 2025 (↑ 7.9%)
A Brisbane institution, Bridge to Brisbane is one of Queensland’s most loved fun runs.
Participants tackle either the 10km or 4.5km course, crossing Brisbane’s iconic bridges and enjoying sweeping views of the river and skyline. Known for its friendly atmosphere and accessibility, the event attracts everyone from competitive runners to families and first-timers.
Few races capture Brisbane’s community spirit quite like this one.
7. Run for the Kids
24,197 finishers in 2025 (↑ 11.0%)
Supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Run for the Kids is one of Melbourne’s most meaningful mass-participation events.
With a 14.4km and 4.7km option, the event welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities. The course showcases Docklands, city streets, and parklands, all wrapped in a family-friendly, feel-good atmosphere.
Its rapid growth reflects both the strength of the cause and the quality of the event experience.
8. Perth City to Surf
23,219 finishers in 2025 (↑ 34.4%)
A Western Australian classic, Perth City to Surf delivers a true city-to-coast running experience.
Starting in Perth’s CBD and finishing at City Beach, the course blends urban energy with a spectacular coastal finale. The 12km event remains the centrepiece, attracting elite athletes, social runners, and families alike.
Few finishes in Australian running rival the atmosphere at City Beach.
9. Run Melbourne
21,981 finishers in 2025 (↑ 7.5%)
Run Melbourne transforms the city streets into a winter celebration of running.
Featuring a half marathon, 10km, and 5km, the event appeals to competitive runners and casual participants alike. The course highlights Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Yarra River, while supporting numerous charities.
10. City-Bay Run Run
21,337 finishers in 2025 (↑ 14.0%)
The City-Bay in Adelaide sneaks into the Top 10 in 2025, with just 2 more finishers than the Runaway Sydney Half Marathon.
The fast, downhill 12km race from Adelaide’s CBD is a favourite in the South Australian running scene.
Top 10 Largest Running Events in Australia (2025 Finisher Data)
| Rank | Event | Finishers | Change from 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (-) | City2Surf | 73,255 | ↓ 5.8% |
| 2 (+1) | Sydney Marathon Festival | 47,653 | ↑ 46.1% |
| 3 (-1) | Melbourne Marathon Festival | 40,466 | ↑ 15.3% |
| 4 (+2) | Gold Coast Marathon | 33,265 | ↑ 26.9% |
| 5 (-1) | Run for a Reason | 32,679 | ↑ 13.7% |
| 6 (-1) | Bridge To Brisbane | 30,925 | ↑ 3.4% |
| 7 (-) | Run for the Kids | 24,197 | ↑ 11.0% |
| 8 (+1) | Perth City to Surf | 23,219 | ↑ 34.4% |
| 9 (-1) | Run Melbourne | 21,981 | ↑ 7.5% |
| 10 (+1) | City-Bay Fun Run | 21,337 | ↑ 14.0% |
Find More Running Events Across Australia
Australia hosts hundreds of running events each year, from local fun runs to elite marathon festivals.
Explore the full calendar:
- Search by location
- Search by date
- Find your next goal race for 2026
🏃♂️ Lace up — your next start line is waiting.
