From coastal triathlons to twilight vineyard dashes and a Queensland banana run, Australia is home to some of the world’s most scenic marathons and spirited fun runs. Whether you’re chasing an invigorating family-friendly escape, or legging it for a weekend getaway and your personal best, there are plenty of running events Australia wide. Here are some standout running events to get you to the starting line.
GYG Coffs Harbour Triathlon Festival Banana Run – Coffs Harbour, NSW
31 January 2026
Join the fun on 31 January 2026 for the very first Guzman y Gomez Banana Run in Coffs Harbour. This is the perfect running festival for both families and serious runners, and you can take your pick from a 10km, 5km, or 2km course. Beginning and ending at the Coffs Harbour Jetty, you’re guaranteed gorgeous coastal views as you make your way along the Jetty Foreshore and Jordan Esplanade.
Accommodation in Coffs Harbour
Take your pick at great accommodation options close to the Coffs Harbour running festival, as well beaches and the centre of town.
Hill to Harbour – Newcastle, NSW
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
29 March 2026
A scenic course that winds from Newcastle’s golden Bar Beach to nearby Carrington, the Hill to Harbour Newcastle run invites runners, walkers and wheelchair participants to enjoy the stunning beaches and harbour views along the way. Choose from the 12km point to point run or take the shorter 6km Halfa Hill to Harbour option. Perfect for a weekend away with family or friends.
Accommodation in Newcastle
Stay at the Terminus Apartment Hotel, an Ascend Collection™ Hotel and explore beaches, bars, and heritage trails while enjoying one the best NSW running events.
Robe Run – Robe, South Australia
Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone.
7 February 2026
Set on South Australia’s stunning Limestone Coast, the Robe Run will be returning for its fourth outing in 2026. This event will feature a marathon, half marathon, 14km run, 5km fun run and a 1km kids’ race. Winding along coastal trails and beachfronts - including the famous Long Beach - this running tour offers some scenery to remember. It’s no surprise this event is continuing to grow in popularity.
Accommodation in Robe
Situated on the tranquil shores of Lake Fellmongery, Comfort Inn Robe offers the perfect Robe accommodation experience for those looking to sample some local delights.
Vineyards Twilight Run – Wangaratta, Victoria
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
21 February 2026
If you enjoy your exertion with a sip of something special at the end, then a few twilight kilometres among the King Valley vines might be for you. Featuring country lanes and vineyard vistas, The Brown Brothers Vineyards Twilight Run offers running options from the half marathon to the 5km run - topped off with a celebratory blend at the end. This is a great option for a couple’s weekend or an invigorating getaway with friends.
Accommodation in Wangarratta
Only 15 minutes from the Brown Brothers Winery Milawa, the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway offers modern and relaxing accommodation in the heart of Wangaratta and close to one of the best fun runs regional Victoria has to offer.
Run for the Kids – Melbourne, Victoria
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
29 March 2026
Ready to get the kids out and about? Run for the Kids is one of the best loved running events in Melbourne. Starting in the Dockland and winding across the Bolte Bridge and along the scenic Yarra River, this 14.4km fun run delivers a huge community atmosphere - while also raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital. There’s also a shorter course you can enjoy at 4.7km.
Accommodation in Melbourne
You’ll find a range of accommodation options in and around Melbourne to suit all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotels and heritage-style apartments to family friendly hotels. Enjoy your Victorian running events in the heart of the action.
Bendigo Ford Fun Run – Bendigo, Victoria
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
1 March 2026
Take a tour of Bendigo’s heritage streets and parks on The Bendigo Ford Fun Run - a family-friendly event that also invites participants to enjoy the course as a ‘walk and talk’ experience. There are plenty of course options as well as you soak in the goldfields charm, from the 21.2km half marathon to the 10km, 5km and 3km course. There’s also a kids dash for the little ones.
Accommodation in Bendigo
Located in a quiet and picturesque spot opposite Lake Weeroona, Quality Hotel Lakeside is a great option.
Bluff 2 Boat Ramp Run/Walk – Devonport, TAS
Image courtesy of Kelly Slater.
15 March 2026
One of the best running events Tasmania puts on the calendar is the Bluff 2 Boat trail, In 2026 this friendly coastal run (or walk) takes you along the Elevated Walkway and Devonport boat ramp, with views of the Mersey River along the way. A World Athletics Certified Course, you can choose from 10 km, 5 km or 1.5 km - with a 500m distance for the kids.
Accommodation in Devonport
Close to stunning beaches, including Mersey Bluff and East Devonport Beach, Comfort Inn Devonport is an ideal home base for exploring the beautiful region
Mooloolaba Triathlon – Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Image courtesy of Jesse Lindemann.
14 -15 March 2026
A highlight of Australia’s triathlon calendar, the Mooloolaba Triathlon brings together a buzzing atmosphere, sunny beach vibes and some refreshing waves to cool off in. Featuring the athletic Sprint Trailthon (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), the Standard Distance Individual (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run) and an Aquabike and Standard Distance Teams event, this is a course that truly captures the Sunshine Coast.
Accommodation in Mooloolaba
Ideally situated close to local shopping, dining and water activities, enjoy a relaxing stay by the ocean at Breeze Mooloolaba, an Ascend Collection Hotel.
Conquer the Summit – Stay in Adelaide, South Australia
22 March 2026
Held every March, Conquer the Summit has been inviting runners and walkers alike to climb the beautiful Adelaide Hills since 2012. Follow a half-marathon (21.1km), quarter-marathon (10.55km) to 5km distance option. This year also introduces the first ever KIDS' DASH - a fun and untimed two lap run. A perfect meeting of vineyard trails and rural tracks that wind to the expansive Mount Barker summit.
Accommodation in Adelaide
You’ll find plenty of great Adelaide hotel options, close to top attractions and where you can enjoy one of the most scenic running events South Australia has to offer.
Run Fest Port Macquarie – Port Macquarie, NSW
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
28 February - 1 March 2026
A community focused event that caters invites all ages to grab their running shoes, Run Fest Port Macquarie captures everything beautiful about Port Macquarie, with a backdrop of beaches and coast. The event includes a Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 3km running and walking events, and kids fun runs. The seasoned can try the Treble Breakwall Buster, which includes six along the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall.
Accommodation in Port Macquarie
Enjoy comfortable waterfront accommodation with a view at the family-friendly Comfort Resort Waters Edge, on the banks of the Hastings River.
Run Wagga Wagga – Wagga Wagga, NSW
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
7 March 2026
Enjoy a run through the Riverina’s beautiful forests and along the iconic Murrumbidgee River. Run Wagga Wagga is a friendly, feel-good event. Beginning in the Victory Memorial Gardens, the course takes you onto the Wiradjuri Trail, over timber footbridges and rolling farmland. Before finishing back at the banks near Wagga Beach. Options range from the family fun run to the half marathon.
Accommodation in Wagga Wagga
Find comfortable accommodation in the heart of town and enjoy a peaceful stay near the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.