Where do the races start and finish?

The main event hub is outside the Ballarat Town Hall (225 Sturt St, Ballarat Central). Each race starts and finishes right out the front of the Town Hall.

Have the courses been certified by AIMS and World Athletics?

Yes. The courses have been certified to AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and World Athletics standards, measured by Technical Director Dave Cundy. This certification means a qualifying time run in Ballarat counts toward ballot entry for major marathons like Boston.

What are the elevation profiles of the courses?

Each course is flat and fast. Elevation gains are: Marathon 98m (two laps of a 21.1km course), Half Marathon 49m, 10km 9m, 5km 16m, and Mile 14m.

What are the cut-off times for the Marathon and Half Marathon?

The cut-off time for both the Marathon and Half Marathon is six hours, based on chip time, ensuring roads can be reopened in accordance with event permits.

Is there prize money?

Yes. 2027 Marathon prize money is $6000 for first, $2000 for second, $1000 for third, $500 for fourth and $250 for fifth, plus time bonuses for sub-2:15:00, sub-2:12:30 and sub-2:10:00 men's finishes and sub-2:32:30, sub-2:30:00 and sub-2:27:30 women's finishes.

Is the Ballarat Marathon a World Athletics ranking event?

Yes, the event is sanctioned by World Athletics, and results are added to a participant's World Athletics ranking profile if they have one.

Can I defer my entry?

Deferrals are not offered, with one exception: if a registered participant becomes pregnant in the lead-up to the event and can no longer race, a deferral of up to three years will be offered.

DISCOVER BALLARAT

SO MUCH TO BE DISCOVERED

Welcome to Ballarat, Victoria's largest inland city. Just 75 minutes west of Melbourne, Ballarat is a melting pot of art, culture, food, wine, attractions & recreation set against an iconic heritage backdrop.

A thriving regional centre, the city offers beautiful heritage streetscapes, active sporting communities, vibrant cafes and restaurants and a reputation for hosting successful sports events.

There’s so much to be discovered. A great place to start is the fantastic Visit Ballarat website.
Ballarat boasts a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every lifestyle and budget.
CLICK HERE to check out accommodation options on the Visit Ballarat website.
Other budget-conscious options will be available in the coming months, including accommodation at Federation University (click here to book rooms) and camping at the Ballarat Equine Centre in Victoria Park.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
There are plenty of transport options to get you to Ballarat, including regular trains from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, the Ballarat Airport Shuttle Bus from Tullamarine or you may choose to drive/carpool.
SUNDAY
Tickets are available for a special Ballarat Marathon bus service on the morning of 18 April 2027.
Buses will depart Southern Cross Station at 4:45am, arriving at Ballarat Railway Station at approximately 6:15am.
Tickets can be booked one way, or return.
Book your transfer here.
Thank you to the crew from Ballarat Airport Shuttle Bus for offering this service.
One thing's for sure: you won’t go hungry or thirsty in the Ballarat region. Wander along the streets and laneways and you'll come across some great cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.
Click through to the Visit Ballarat website for lots of options.
A host of Ballarat’s restaurants and cafes will be highlighting their carb-laden dishes as part of the 2027 Ballarat Marathon Carb Party.
More details about the Carb Party will be available in early 2027.
Our Official Coffee Partner, Cobb’s Coffee, is one of the many cafes that will extend their opening hours across the 2027 Ballarat Marathon weekend.
The full list of of participating cafes will be made available in early 2027.
There are so many brilliant attractions to explore while you’re in town for the Ballarat Marathon.
Click through to the Visit Ballarat website for ideas.

DISCOVER BALLARAT

SO MUCH TO BE DISCOVERED

VISIT BALLARAT

PLACES TO STAY

HOW TO GET HERE

FOOD & DRINK

CARB PARTY

PRE-RACE COFFEE FIX

THINGS TO DO