Marathons in Australia: A Guide
If there’s one thing Australians can’t get enough of, it’s hitting the road and exploring some of the country’s most diverse and unique landscapes on foot. That’s why Australia is currently home to some of the world’s most invigorating and challenging running events. Whether you want to pound the pavement in metropolitan Melbourne or hit the tracks in the outback, we’ve rounded up ten of the best marathons in Australia to get you working up a sweat while raising valuable funds for charity.
Why do a charity marathon in Australia?
Whether you’re looking to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge or fancy your chances at becoming a regular participant – pushing your limits in one of Australia’s world-renowned marathons promises to be an unforgettable experience.
There’s also the added incentive of combining your fitness and fundraising goals by completing a marathon in aid of your favourite charity. Much of the hard work is already underway if you’re currently in training, but there are some great half marathons in Australia to choose from if you’re just starting out or not ready to go the full distance. Once you’ve found the marathon that feels right for you, it’s easy to tie a cause you care about to your efforts and make an impact in your community.
Challenge yourself
If you’re currently training for a charity marathon or half marathon in Australia, chances are you already have a healthy dose of competitive spirit. Bring some of that energy to your fundraiser by blending your running and charity goals together. There are plenty of ways to get creative, a few of which we’ve outlined below:
- Promise to run one kilometre for every $1, $10 or $100 raised
- Encourage people to donate $1 for every kilometre you run – that’s $42 if you go the full distance!
- Run a set amount per day and get your supporters to donate an agreed daily amount. For example, 10 days completed at $10 per day would earn a donation of $100 for your chosen charity.
Thanks to GoFundMe’s Team Fundraising feature, you can complete a charity marathon in Australia as part of a group. Each member of your team will have the same tools to share their fundraiser across social media, while a built-in leaderboard will help to create some healthy competition and boost donations.
Support a charity you care about
Above all, using your marathon experience as an opportunity to fundraise allows you to support a charity that matters to you. If you have a loved one who has battled cancer, you can support a charity with a mission statement of finding a cure and making a difference in the lives of patients. Some of the biggest donors are often the close friends and families of fundraisers – and if your chosen cause is important to you, it’s probably going to be important to them.
Create awareness for your cause
By mixing your marathon in Australia with charity fundraising, you’ll be helping to drive attention – as well as donations – to a charity you care about. You can start by creating a fundraiser page that’s compelling and inventive while explaining why you’re so passionate about your chosen cause. From here, the most important step is to start sharing. If your friends and family don’t know about your fundraising efforts, they won’t be able to support you along the way.
Once you’ve created your fundraiser and started sharing it, there’s no limit to the impact it might have – so don’t hold back. Reach out to local media outlets, encourage your friends to share your fundraiser across social channels, and keep your donors engaged with frequent updates on the progress of your campaign.
How to choose the right marathon in Australia for you
There are numerous marathons in Australia that you can register for on a charitable basis, but it’s important to choose one that lines up with your experience. If you’re already a few years into your running journey, you might be ready for a full-length marathon along the sand dunes and winding desert terrain of the outback. If you’re fresh on the scene and still working your way up to a 5k, a shorter city route might be a more achievable option. The good news is that most marathon events also offer shorter routes for those who lack experience but would still like to get involved.
Raising money on GoFundMe
Once you’ve decided to tie your trainers and get pounding those pavements, starting a GoFundMe couldn’t be easier. A marathon is a really impressive feat that people will want to support you with – so pick your charity, start your page and get going today.
Once you’ve set up your fundraiser there are a few extra steps you can take to really make it shine and see those donations rolling in.
- Your fundraiser story: This is a really important part of your fundraiser set up. When you’re writing your fundraiser story, make sure to really set out why the cause your fundraising for is important to you. Include any details you think are relevant and also pictures and videos too!
- Post updates: Posting updates keeps everyone who is already invested in your fundraising interested. When it comes to raising money around a sporting challenge like a marathon, it’s really easy to keep people posted on your journey too. Make sure to let people know how your training is going, any shorter runs you complete and when you meet certain fundraising goals. Post pictures from the day itself and of course, let your kind donors know how it goes when you complete too. Good luck!
- Posting on social media: In a similar way to posting updates, posting your fundraiser on social media really keeps it in the minds of those who might want to support. You should post your GoFundMe when you start it but also similarly to updates whenever you have something to update followers on. Again, be sure to include as much detail as you feel comfortable with and get plenty of pictures.
- Thank your donors: An essential part of any fundraising journey is to thank your donors! It shows you appreciate their kind contribution. Sending a personalised email or handwritten note adds an extra lovely touch, too.
- Offline fundraising: You’ve already committed to running a marathon – but hosting an additional offline fundraising event could see donations coming in even faster. From coffee mornings to getting friends involved in fitness challenges with you (they don’t have to run a marathon, what about a 5k?) there’s plenty of ideas to choose from.
The 10 best charity marathon and half marathon races
With the number of runners participating across the country recently rising to record-breaking levels, here is our roundup of the ten best marathons in Australia that you can take part in for charity. From full-length courses to gruelling ultra marathons and shorter, community-focused races – this comprehensive list details everything you need to know about the finest marathons in Australia.
1. The Australian Outback Marathon, Ayers Rock
Known to attract participants from over 29 countries, the Australian Outback Marathon offers a variety of events across the country’s iconic red-earth terrain. From sand dunes and bush trails to close-up views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) that accompany you along every kilometre – the stunning landscape on show is enough to make this event an essential item on your bucket list.
While the off-road terrain might prove challenging, the Australian Outback Marathon caters to all experience levels – offering a half marathon as well as 6km and 11km fun runs in addition to the main event.
2. Sydney’s iconic City2Surf
Dubbed ‘the world’s largest fun run,’ Sydney’s iconic City2Surf takes you from the urban heart of the city right down to the sun-soaked shores of Bondi Beach.
Don’t let the shorter 14km course length fool you – City2Surf is by no means a walk in the park, with the infamous incline of ‘Heartbreak Hill’ posing a formidable challenge to even the most experienced participants. But don’t feel discouraged either – this trail offers some unmissable views of Sydney Harbour, along with huge crowds of supporters to cheer you on and keep spirits high.
3. Melbourne’s Marathon Festival
Described as Australia’s premier marathon event, the Melbourne Marathon Festival winds along 42km of the city’s urban landscape. You’ll be pounding the pavement around legendary sites like Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic Yarra River.
The event has been sponsored by Nike since 2021, and carries an impressive reputation of excellence in organisation and professionalism. There are plenty of shorter routes available if you don’t feel ready for the full distance, including a half marathon, 10k, 5k and even a 3k walk.
4. The Great Ocean Road Marathon
One of the few marathons in Australia that hugs the coastline for its entire 44km distance, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival takes you on an unforgettable trip along the nation’s most iconic seaside route.
Vast stretches of sea roll out to your left as the outer edges of the Otway rainforest remain close at your right, making this one of Australia’s most scenic marathon events. There are plenty of options for entering on a fundraising basis and a wide range of courses to choose from, whether you’re up for the 60km ultra marathon or would rather stick with the 6.5km trail run.
5. Sydney Marathon
Passing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House along its stunning harbourside route, Sydney Marathon allows you to take in some of Australia’s most coveted views.
One of the only races that causes the full closure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this annual event attracts Australians of all abilities in their tens of thousands each year. Test yourself with an attempt at the full 42km, or opt for something shorter with either the 10km or 4.2km course.
6. Rottnest Running Festival
Aside from working up a sweat for a worthy cause, participants in the Rottnest Running Festival get to immerse themselves in the stunning flora and fauna that this island paradise has to offer. A protected A-Class reserve just off the coast of Perth, it’s home to rich woodlands, saltbush and adorable smiling quokkas.
With a full 42.2km marathon, 21.1km half marathon, as well as 5km and 10km fun runs to choose from, this Australian marathon is highly accessible and guarantees a memorable day out.
7. Six Foot Track Marathon
The Six Foot Track Marathon is known as one of the toughest courses in Australia, and has been running among the rugged landscape of New South Wales’ Blue Mountains since 1984.
A total tally of less than 1,000 participants take on the challenge each year, due to its steep hills, dense forestry and river crossings. The 45km trail takes around five hours to complete, and sees runners traverse some of the toughest running terrain in the world.
8. Wings for Life World Run
If you’re looking for a unique way to complete your Australian marathon adventure, why not take on the growing global challenge of the Wings for Life World Run?
Far from your run-of-the-mill marathon, runners take part in this annual event from a range of locations around the world. The twist? Everyone starts at the same time, and a ‘virtual catcher car’ sets off thirty minutes later. The race ends once the leading runner is caught, and your goal is to cover as much ground as possible before it catches you.
9. Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Over 20,000 runners flock to the east of Australia every year for the Gold Coast Marathon. The event takes place over two days and involves everything from a full marathon to a wheelchair race, half marathon, as well as 4k and 2k Junior Dashes for little ones looking to get involved.
You’ll be running on a flat and fast urban trail that gives you a great opportunity to set a new personal best, complete with panoramic views of Australia’s most famous beaches.
10. Bridge To Brisbane
With the choice of completing either a 10k or 5k course, the Bridge to Brisbane sees participants navigate their way from the southern end of the Gateway Bridge along a scenic stretch of the city’s riverbank.
Offering a shorter distance that’s ideal for beginners, this event is more about fostering a sense of community than providing a stage for competitive athletes. There’s a vast range of partnered charities to choose from, giving you the opportunity to raise funds for some of Australia’s most noble causes.
Start fundraising for your marathon in Australia today
Once you’ve settled on a worthy cause and a race that feels right for you, you can start fundraising for your charity marathon in Australia today. Encourage your loved ones to contribute to your campaign, and you’ll soon be surpassing both your fitness and fundraising goals. Crowdfunding with GoFundMe makes it easy to quickly and effectively raise money for the causes that are closest to your heart.
Take your fundraiser to the finish line and start your fundraiser today.
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