FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Require further information? Be sure to GET IN TOUCH.
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The 2027 Running Warehouse Ballarat Marathon will take place across the weekend of 16, 17 & 18 April (the event is coming forward one week due to Anzac Day being on a Sunday).
Entries are now open! Register via Race Roster.
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The fourth Ballarat Marathon will take place one week earlier than usual, on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April. The event would normally fall on the Anzac Day weekend, has been moved to avoid a clash with Anzac Day on Sunday 25 April.
There are also several other changes:
Expo & Bib Collection: The Expo and race bib collection have moved to Selkirk Stadium.
10km: The 10km has moved from Sunday to Saturday and has a new course, now starting and finishing at the Ballarat Town Hall.
5km: The 5km has a new one-lap course.
Elite Golden Mile: The Saturday evening Golden Mile has a new two-lap course, removing the Lydiard St dog-leg.
Marathon & Half Marathon: Both courses have been updated, including changes to the section at the top of Sturt Street.
Sunday bib collection: Bib collection is no longer available on Sunday morning. Marathon and Half Marathon participants must collect their bib before Expo & Bib Collection closes on Saturday evening.
For full details, please check the event schedule and information for your chosen race.
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IS THE EVENT REFUNDABLE?
All tickets purchased are non-refundable. However, we have partnered with our registration platform to offer the Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program. You can purchase refund protection during the registration process. CLICK HERE for more information on the Program.
If you have purchased insurance and would like a refund CLICK HERE for instructions.
CAN I DEFER MY ENTRY?
No*. We will not be offering deferrals for the 2027 Ballarat Marathon.
*If you become pregnant in the lead-up to the 2027 Ballarat Marathon and can no longer race, we will offer a deferral for up to 3 years. Please email us at
info@ballaratmarathon.com.au.Anyone offered a pregnancy deferral in previous events has been contacted with details on how to register for 2027. Please get in touch if you have not received an email.
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CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTRY TO ANOTHER PERSON?
Person-to-person transfers are available via Race Roster from 15 February 2027 until 11:59 PM AEDT on 1 April 2027.
No person-to-person transfers will be permitted after this date.
A $20.00 transfer fee applies, payable by the original entry holder.New entry holders will pay the advertised price at the time of entry. All transfers must be completed through the official Race Roster platform.
Transfers are not permitted once your bib has been collected (including at early bib collection).CAN I UPGRADE MY DISTANCE?
Yes - Subject to availability. You will need to pay the difference in entry fees between your current and new event. Upgrades can be completed via the Race Roster Platform or by contacting us.
CAN I DOWNGRADE MY DISTANCE?
Yes - subject to availability. Downgrades can be completed via the Race Roster Platform or by contacting us.
Downgrades may also be requested at the Event Bib Collection until Saturday 17 April 2027.
No refund will be given for any difference in entry fees regardless of when the downgrade is made.
CAN I GIVE MY BIB TO SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT TRANSFERRING?
No. It is important that we have an accurate record of every participant on course for insurance and medical purposes. Bib impersonation is a breach of our Event Terms & Conditions. Ballarat Marathon reserves the right to disqualify any participant who is found to be running with a race bib registered to someone else and prevent the registered person from participating in future events.
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We've moved our Race Bib Collection & Expo to Selkirk Stadium, giving us the space to deliver a bigger and better expo experience.
Bib collection options are as follows:
Early Collection: Pick up from Running Warehouse in Melbourne, Sydney or the Gold Coast (simply select this option when registering through Race Roster).
*once you have collected your bib there will be no option to transfer your entry.Event weekend: Collect your race pack at Selkirk Stadium on Friday or Saturday ONLY.
Can't make it? A friend or family member can collect your race pack for you.
Lost your bib between Saturday & Race morning? Limited bib replacements will be available for a $20 fee at the Mining Exchange. *Replacement bibs are not intended as race-morning bib collection for participants who have not collected their original bib.
Check the event schedule for exact dates/times
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WHO IS TIMING THE EVENT?
Multi Sport Australia will be providing the timing services for the 2027 Ballarat Marathon event.
WHERE DO I FIND THE EVENT RESULTS?
2027 results links will be published live on our website during the event.
For the 2026 results page, CLICK HERE.
For the 2025 results page, CLICK HERE.
For the 2024 results page, CLICK HERE.
WHAT IS A MITIME MEDAL INSERT?
A MiTime Medal Insert is a custom-engraved metal plate that displays your name and official finish time. Designed to fit neatly into a recess on the back of your event finisher medal, it is posted to you after a race.
HOW DO I GET A MITIME MEDAL INSERT?
You can add a MiTime Medal Insert to your entry for 2027, via Race Roster. Ensure your address in Race Roster is correct.
If you missed out in 2026, you can still get one CLICK HERE to order.
HOW ARE PRIZES AWARDED WHEN IT COMES TO TIMING?
In line with World Athletics rules, the winner of each race is decided by gun time (the from when the starter’s gun goes off). The athlete who crosses the line first is the winner. All participants will have their chip time (the time from when their bib crossed the start line) recorded, but chip time is not used to determine the winners. -
Yes - our friends at NorthSouth will be on site capturing the event in 2027.
2026 race photos are available here.
Share your memories on social media, send them to your friends and family, and celebrate your incredible achievement as soon as you've crossed the finish line.
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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 YOUR COURSES BEEN CERTIFIED BY AIMS AND WORLD ATHLETICS?
Yes. Our courses have been certified to AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and World Athletics standards. Each of our courses has been measured by Dave Cundy, our Technical Director who is Australia’s foremost authority on course design and measurement. The certification of our courses means you can run a qualifying time in Ballarat to get into the ballot for a major marathon like Boston.
ARE YOUR COURSES ENTIRELY ON ROADS?
Yes, our courses are on wide, flat and scenic bitumen roads around Ballarat. Our courses don’t include any footpaths or gravel sections. View course maps on each event page and find us on Strava!
WHAT ARE THE ELEVATION PROFILES OF YOUR COURSES?
Each of our courses is flat and fast. Perfect for running a PB! The elevation gains on each course are as follows:Marathon: 98m (two laps of 21.1km course)
Half Marathon: 49m
10km: 45m
5km: 23m
Community Mile: 20m
Golden Mile (Elite): 16m
WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF TIMES FOR EACH RACE?
EPIJOINT 10KM: 2 hours 15 mins (2:45pm) - moderate walking pace
5KM: 1 hour 5mins (4:20pm) - moderate walking pace
CITY OF BALLARAT COMMUNITY MILE: 30 mins (5:30pm) - easy/slow walking pace.
FEDERATION UNIVERSITY HALF MARATHON: 6 hours (chip/net time)
RUNNING WAREHOUSE MARATHON: 6 hours (chip/net time)
Adherence to these cut-off times will ensure our schedule runs on time and roads can be reopened in accordance with our event permits.
HOW HAVE YOU DECIDED YOUR CAP NUMBERS?
Our entry caps have been carefully developed in collaboration with Marcel Altenburg, a leading Crowd Scientist from Manchester Metropolitan University, who advises major marathons such as New York, Boston, London and Berlin. These limits are essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and our crew and are based on various data points, including anticipated no-shows. -
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?
COMMUNITY MILE & 5KM: No restrictions, however all entrants aged 9 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult.
10KM: must be aged 13 years or older on the day of the event.
Half Marathon: must be aged 16 years or older on the day of the event.
Marathon: must be aged 18 years or older on the day of the event.
Volunteers: must be over the age of 16 unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families are welcome to volunteer together!
Guardians must ensure that the young person they are entering into the event is appropriately supervised at all times during the event.
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Yes - our Pace Team provides pacing for the 5km, 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon distances.
If you’d like to apply to be a Pacer in 2027, applications will open in November 2026.
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IS THERE PRIZE MONEY?
Yes - prize money, including race record & time and race record bonusesRUNNING WAREHOUSE MARATHON (MALE & FEMALE):
1st - $6000
2nd - $3000
3rd -$2000
4th - $1500
5th - $1000
FEDERATION UNIVERSITY HALF MARATHON & WHEELCHAIR HALF MARATHON (MALE & FEMALE):
1st - $2000
2nd - $1500
3rd -$1000
4th - $500
5th - $250
EPIJOINT 10KM (MALE & FEMALE):
1st - $1000
2nd - $750
3rd -$500
4th - $250
5th - $125
5KM (MALE & FEMALE):
1st - $2000
2nd - $1000
3rd -$500
4th - $250
5th - $125
ELITE OPEN GOLDEN MILE (MALE & FEMALE):
1st - $3000
2nd - $1500
3rd -$800
4th - $400
5th - $200
ELITE JUNIOR GOLDEN MILE (MALE & FEMALE):
1st - $500 Running Warehouse Voucher
2nd - $250 Running Warehouse Voucher
3rd - $100 Running Warehouse Voucher
MEN’S MARATHON TIME BONUSES:
Sub 2:15:00 - $1000
Sub 2:12:30 - $2000
Sub 2:10:00 - $3000
WOMEN’S MARATHON TIME BONUSES:
Sub 2:30:00 - $1000
Sub 2:27:30 - $2000
Sub 2:25:00 - $3000
The highest applicable time bonus is payable (i.e. they are not cumulative)
RACE RECORD BONUS
$500.00 per race (paid to the overall male and female winner only)
WHO GETS A FINISHERS’ MEDAL?
Everyone who completes the Mile, 5km, 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon will receive a finishers’ medal.HOW IS THE WINNER DECIDED WHEN IT COMES TO TIMING?
In line with World Athletics rules, the winner of each race is decided by gun time (the from when the starter’s gun goes off). The athlete who crosses the line first is the winner. All results will display a participants gun time and net time (the time you physically crossed the start mat after the gun), but net time is not used to determine the winners. -
CAN I USE A RUNNING VEST/BELT?
Yes, we encourage the use of running vests/belts, particularly when it comes to carrying hydration. This helps us reduce the number of single-use cups we need to provide.CAN I CARRY MY OWN GELS?
Yes, you most certainly can carry your own gels. Please ensure you utilise the dedicated gel packet disposal bins on course. Don’t throw them on the road. No one likes a tosser.
CAN I USE A WHEELCHAIR?
Yes. Participants using a day wheelchair, including an electric wheelchair, may participate in any race. Day wheelchair users must start at the back of the field and must be able to complete the race within the applicable cut-off time.
Race chairs are different: participants using a racing wheelchair must enter the Federation University Wheelchair Half Marathon and are not permitted to participate in other distances.Hand cycles are not permitted in any race.
CAN I USE A RUNNING FRAME?
Participants using a running frame must enter the Federation University Wheelchair Half Marathon. Running frames are not permitted in the Running Warehouse Marathon or other running events.Please contact us at info@ballaratmarathon.com.au if this applies to you so we can ensure you are correctly timed and categorised.
Participants using a running frame in the Wheelchair Half Marathon are not eligible for prize money under World Para Athletics rules.
CAN I PUSH A PRAM?
Yes. Participants may push a pram during a race, but must start at the back of the field and comply with the applicable race cut-off time.Please take care around other participants and ensure you have adequate space to manoeuvre safely.
CAN I HAVE AN ASSISTANCE DOG WITH ME IN A RACE?
Accredited guide and assistance animals may be permitted to participate with you. Please contact us before race day if you plan to participate with an assistance animal so we can discuss the arrangements with you.Dogs and other pets that are not accredited assistance animals are not permitted in races.
CAN I RUN WITH HEADPHONES?
We strongly discourage the use of in or over ear headphones on the course.We will have a range of on course entertainment and plenty of spectators to keep the vibes high!
If you do choose to use headphones while running, please ensure that you are still able to hear what is happening around you.
CAN I HAVE SOMEONE HAND ME GELS/HYDRATION/FUEL OUTSIDE OF DESIGNATED DRINK STATIONS?
Elite & preferred runners must adhere to World Athletics rules and may only receive assistance from official drink stations. Elite/Preferred runners who receive outside assistance will be out of the running for a placing or prize money and will be ‘unofficial finishers’.
Non-Elite Participants may receive assistance from family and friends at appropriate points along the course, in addition to the official drink stations.
Anyone providing assistance must:
Stay off the race course and not interfere with other participants.
Not enter or obstruct drink station areas.
Travel via open roads and comply with all traffic rules and directions from traffic controllers.
Not use a bike or scooter on the course. Bikes and scooters are not permitted on the course, except for authorised event officials.
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Yes, our event has been sanctioned by World Athletics. If you have a World Athletics ranking, your result in Ballarat will be added to your profile.
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Yes. The 2027 Ballarat Marathon is a qualifying race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors 2028 Age Group World Championships (location TBC).
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HOW DO I FUNDRAISE?
The Ballarat Marathon is proud to partner with the Ballarat Health Services Foundation and Foodbank Victoria as our Headline Charity Partners. Both organisations do incredible work in the Ballarat Region.Visit the ‘Fundraising’ page for more information on how to fundraise.
HOW CAN I FUNDRAISE FOR A CHARITY OF MY CHOICE?
You are most welcome to include a charity of your choice to fundraise for. Visit the ‘Fundraising’ page for more information.
To keep things fair, we have not given priority to any charity other than our local headline charity partners, Ballarat Health Services Foundation (for Grampians Health Ballarat) and Foodbank Victoria.Charities are ordered based on total donations. To move your charity of choice up the list, we encourage you to share your fundraising page with your networks and encourage support via donations.
CAN I FUNDRAISE FOR MY LOCAL CLUB/COMMUNITY GROUP?
Yes, you can fundraise by volunteering at our event! Visit our ‘Volunteer’ page for more information. -
Volunteering is a great way to be part of the event. We have roles for everyone!
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
View more info on volunteering HERE.
Pace Team applications open Monday 2 November
I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN MY CLUB UP FOR GROUP VOLUNTEERING & FUNDRAISING:
Email us via volunteers@ballaratmarathon.com.au
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HOW DO I QUALIFY AS AN ELITE ATHLETE?
A strict qualifying time applies to our elite categories. Times will be published here and on the relevant sub-event information page.
Our 2027 Elite Athlete program is open. For information please visit our Elite Athlete Program page. -
The Club/Team Tent Zone is a great option for groups.
Expressions of interest will be available later in 2026.
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CLICK HERE to relive the Saturday live stream
CLICK HERE to relive the Sunday live stream
*DO NOT CLICK LINKS CLAIMING TO BE THE LIVESTREAM FROM OTHER SOURCES
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Yes, a limited range of premium Running Warehouse Ballarat Marathon merchandise available from One Running.
CLICK HERE to shop the range.