By Sally Pryor
Updated February 4 2026 – 12:45pm, first published December 6 2025 – 5:30am
If you’re a dedicated runner in Canberra, there’s always been one date to focus on in the marathon calendar.
Or even if you’re just a casual jogger who likes a yearly challenge that takes you through a blissfully empty parliamentary triangle on a Sunday.
But The Canberra Times Marathon could soon join Sydney, Chicago, London and New York as a premier destination, with the ACT government partnering next year with organisers Sole Motive through its Major Event Fund.
Judging by the record number of participants in the 2025 run, Canberra’s runners have long considered this institution a major event – one worth plenty of training, carb-loading and celebrating at the end of it.
The 2026 festival will be a new chapter, with a refreshed two-day format and a new route through Duntroon via the Australian War Memorial.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said support from the fund would enable the festival to grow with the involvement of interstate and international runners, more visitors staying longer, and a larger economic benefit for the territory.
He said the Canberra Marathon had a proud history, and deserved to take its place among the great world marathons.
“With a course that takes runners past many of our city’s iconic features and attractions, it is no wonder this event continues to draw big crowds of local and visiting runners each year,” he said.
“The event has more than doubled in size since 2019, with a high proportion of interstate participation. I look forward to seeing the number of visiting participants continue to grow.”
Sole Motive chief executive Lisa Holmes said the partnership would transform the event.
“Together we’re elevating the event into a truly iconic marathon that celebrates the joy of running and everything that makes Canberra a world-class destination,” she said.
“With registrations now open, we’re ready to welcome runners from across Australia and overseas to experience our new two-day format in 2026.”
The revitalised event includes a two-day festival race format, with the marathon and half marathon on the Sunday, and the 10km, 5km and Kids Dash on the Saturday, as well as an “event village” showcase featuring food and culture, and increased national and international marketing.
- To register or find out more about the 2026 Canberra Times Marathon, visit solemotive.com/pages/canberra-times-marathon-festival
This article is originally from The Canberra Times.
