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The Canberra Times Marathon Festival is Australia’s oldest city marathon, featuring a fast, AIMS-certified course through the iconic National Triangle and past Parliament House.
Course Highlights
The Canberra Times Marathon Festival offers a scenic and fast course that showcases the architectural and natural beauty of Australia’s capital. The route is meticulously designed to take runners past some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Participants begin their journey at King George Terrace in Parkes, immediately entering a loop that circles the historic Parliament House. The course continues through the lush greenery of Telopea Park before heading down Kings Avenue, providing expansive views of the National Triangle. One of the most significant sections of the race takes runners past the Australian War Memorial, offering a moment of reflection amidst the physical challenge. The revitalized 2026 course was specifically built for “big race-day moments,” emphasizing a more scenic experience while maintaining its reputation for being flat and conducive to personal bests.
Race Details
The festival is a multi-day event held in the heart of Canberra. The centerpiece, the TCS Marathon (42.2K), traditionally starts at 06:15 AM on Sunday to take advantage of the cool, crisp autumn morning. The event village is located at John Dunmore Lang Place, which serves as the hub for pre-race preparations and post-race celebrations. In addition to the full marathon, the festival offers a variety of distances to accommodate all levels of runners, including a Half Marathon (21.1K), a 10K run, a 5K fun run, and a 2K Kids Dash. All courses (except the Kids Dash) are AIMS-certified and measured to World Athletics standards, ensuring that results are eligible for international rankings and major marathon qualifications. The marathon has a generous cut-off time of approximately 7.5 hours (concluding at 2:00 PM), making it accessible for both elite athletes and dedicated recreational runners.
Why Runners Love It
As the oldest city marathon in Australia, the Canberra Times Marathon Festival carries a rich heritage that resonates with the running community. Runners are particularly drawn to the event for its timing in April, which coincides with Canberra’s spectacular autumn season. During this time, the city is transformed by millions of flowering trees and vibrant foliage, creating a stunning backdrop for the race. The course is famously “fast and open,” making it a premier destination for those looking to shave minutes off their previous times or qualify for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Beyond the competition, the festival is celebrated for its inclusive atmosphere, encouraging run clubs, families, and solo athletes to come together. The expansion to a two-day format has further enhanced the experience, turning the race weekend into a destination event that blends elite sports with local food, culture, and a vibrant event village.
Ready to chase your next personal best in the heart of the capital? Secure your spot at the start line today. Register now for The Canberra Times Marathon Festival.
At a Glance
- Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory — Australia
- Next Date: TBD — date not yet announced
- Distances: [‘Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’10K’, ‘5K’, ‘Kids Dash’]
- Start Time: 06:15
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://solemotive.com/pages/canberra-times-marathon-festival
The Canberra Times Marathon Festival is Australia’s oldest city marathon, featuring a fast, AIMS-certified course through the iconic National Triangle and past Parliament House.
Course Highlights
The Canberra Times Marathon Festival offers a scenic and fast course that showcases the architectural and natural beauty of Australia’s capital. The route is meticulously designed to take runners past some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Participants begin their journey at King George Terrace in Parkes, immediately entering a loop that circles the historic Parliament House. The course continues through the lush greenery of Telopea Park before heading down Kings Avenue, providing expansive views of the National Triangle. One of the most significant sections of the race takes runners past the Australian War Memorial, offering a moment of reflection amidst the physical challenge. The revitalized 2026 course was specifically built for “big race-day moments,” emphasizing a more scenic experience while maintaining its reputation for being flat and conducive to personal bests.
Race Details
The festival is a multi-day event held in the heart of Canberra. The centerpiece, the TCS Marathon (42.2K), traditionally starts at 06:15 AM on Sunday to take advantage of the cool, crisp autumn morning. The event village is located at John Dunmore Lang Place, which serves as the hub for pre-race preparations and post-race celebrations. In addition to the full marathon, the festival offers a variety of distances to accommodate all levels of runners, including a Half Marathon (21.1K), a 10K run, a 5K fun run, and a 2K Kids Dash. All courses (except the Kids Dash) are AIMS-certified and measured to World Athletics standards, ensuring that results are eligible for international rankings and major marathon qualifications. The marathon has a generous cut-off time of approximately 7.5 hours (concluding at 2:00 PM), making it accessible for both elite athletes and dedicated recreational runners.
Why Runners Love It
As the oldest city marathon in Australia, the Canberra Times Marathon Festival carries a rich heritage that resonates with the running community. Runners are particularly drawn to the event for its timing in April, which coincides with Canberra’s spectacular autumn season. During this time, the city is transformed by millions of flowering trees and vibrant foliage, creating a stunning backdrop for the race. The course is famously “fast and open,” making it a premier destination for those looking to shave minutes off their previous times or qualify for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Beyond the competition, the festival is celebrated for its inclusive atmosphere, encouraging run clubs, families, and solo athletes to come together. The expansion to a two-day format has further enhanced the experience, turning the race weekend into a destination event that blends elite sports with local food, culture, and a vibrant event village.
Ready to chase your next personal best in the heart of the capital? Secure your spot at the start line today. Register now for The Canberra Times Marathon Festival.
At a Glance
- Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory — Australia
- Next Date: TBD — date not yet announced
- Distances: [‘Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’10K’, ‘5K’, ‘Kids Dash’]
- Start Time: 06:15
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://solemotive.com/pages/canberra-times-marathon-festival