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.

ELITE ATHLETE PROGRAM — BALLARAT MARATHON

The Ballarat Marathon is proud to support the next generation of elite athletes within Oceania, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the fastest courses in Australia.

Our goal is to position Ballarat as a proving ground for Australia’s top marathon and half marathon runners. Our Elite Athlete Program offers a unique opportunity for athletes to compete, gain recognition, and achieve their personal bests in an elite racing environment.

We are dedicated to fostering competitive racing and supporting elite athletes who will inspire the running community.

Our program is open to applications from athletes who have met a certain standard within the last 18 months (since 1/10/2025):

2027 ELITE QUALIFYING TIMES:

Men’s Marathon: Sub 2:30
Women’s Marathon: Sub 2:50
Men’s Half Marathon: Sub 66 mins
Women’s Half Marathon: Sub 75 mins
Men’s 10km: Sub 30:00
Women’s 10km: Sub 35:00
Men’s 5km: Sub 16:00
Women’s 5km: Sub 19:00
Men’s & Women’s Elite Mile: CLICK HERE for details

APPLY HERE

If you have any questions, please email competition@ballaratmarathon.com.au.