Running halfway around the world – sounds crazy? But it's absolutely stunning!
Australia and New Zealand offer a unique stage for running events that become true experiences – far beyond just ticking off kilometers. From breathtaking coastal roads to challenging mountain trails and urban running adventures in world-class cities – running enthusiasts, adventurers, and nature lovers will be completely thrilled. Whether you’re chasing personal bests, spectacular views, or unforgettable stories – this HDsports selection of the most beautiful runs promises emotion, sore muscles, and pure joy all in one.
The 11 Most Beautiful Running Events in Australia
Note: The order does NOT represent a ranking – each of these runs is unique in its own way.
1. Great Ocean Road Running Festival
If you love breathing in the sea air while running and prefer the sound of waves as your soundtrack, this is the perfect event. The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is like a romantic road trip among running events – just with more sweat. The course winds along one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, lined with rugged cliffs and endless blue seas. You’ll wonder: am I running, or am I floating?
Between the charming small towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, a festival of senses – and calves – unfolds. Whether it’s the half marathon, marathon, or ultra – this event is not about personal bests, but about awe, enjoyment, and shared excitement. A weekend that tastes of salt, smells of freedom, and lingers long after.
Date: May
All information about the Great Ocean Road Running Festival
2. Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko
Things get wild here – literally. The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko takes you through the alpine heart of Australia, an epic trail adventure where elevation meets emotion. If you think Australia is only about the Outback and surfer beaches, think again. The country’s highest mountain – Mount Kosciuszko – watches over as you run through subalpine meadows, mystical forests, and icy mountain streams.
Every kilometer is a statement: about endurance, a connection to nature, and a touch of madness. The atmosphere among participants is friendly, but the finish-line feeling is enormous. Whether you tackle the 100K or choose a shorter distance – this run leaves you both humbled and exhilarated.
Date: November / December
All information about the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko
3. Point to Pinnacle
The self-proclaimed “World’s Toughest Half Marathon” delivers what it promises – along with panoramas that make you forget everything else. From the beach in Hobart, the course climbs almost vertically to Mount Wellington – from sea level to over 1,270 meters. Sounds crazy? It is. But also brilliant. The route challenges calves, lungs, and determination alike. In return, you are rewarded with views that even the best smartphone camera struggles to capture.
The atmosphere is electrifying, and the finish atop the summit is simply magical. If you enjoy embracing pain while touching the clouds, this is the race for you.
Date: November
All information about Point to Pinnacle
4. Bridge to Brisbane
When an entire city shows up in running shoes, it’s Bridge to Brisbane again. This race is the sporting heartbeat of Brisbane – fast, colorful, loud, and full of life. From the start on the Gateway Bridge, runners are carried in a wave of applause, music, and motivation through the metropolis to South Bank Parkland. Families, running groups, superhero costumes – everyone joins in with a permanent smile.
Whether you’re racing against the clock or soaking up the city’s vibe – this race is a true urban highlight.
Date: Usually September
All information about Bridge to Brisbane
5. Sydney Marathon
A marathon with an opera view – where else could you find that? Exactly: at the legendary Sydney Marathon. Running across the famous Harbour Bridge as the morning mist clears gives you goosebumps. The route is a deluxe sightseeing tour – from landmark to landmark, from highlight to highlight. Atmosphere, organization, and course are world-class.
No wonder the race has successfully applied for World Marathon Major status. Once you run in Sydney, you’ll never forget it – and that’s a good thing.
Date: Usually late August
All information about the Sydney Marathon
6. City2Surf Sydney
A road race? Yes. A street festival? Also. A legend? Absolutely. City2Surf is the craziest, most colorful, and iconic running event on the continent. 14 kilometers from the city to the famous Bondi Beach – with hills, confetti, music, flamingo costumes, and everything else your heart desires.
80,000 runners on a single course – it doesn’t feel like a competition, but like a collective euphoria. A race that is addictive and shows that running is above all: pure joy.
Date: August
All information about City2Surf Sydney
7. Gold Coast Marathon
Welcome to the sun! The Gold Coast Marathon is a sparkling invitation for anyone who loves running with a sea view. Flat, fast, well-organized – with a fanbase that’s second to none. As you rack up the kilometers, you’ll be accompanied by palm trees, surfers, and the smiles of Queenslanders.
Many use this race to chase personal bests, while others simply enjoy the beauty of the course. And after the finish? A barefoot cooldown on the beach – it doesn’t get any better.
Date: July
All information about the Gold Coast Marathon
8. Rottnest Running Festival
A marathon on an island with quokkas? Yes, please! The Rottnest Running Festival takes you to a dreamy island off the coast of Perth – where turquoise waters and winding roads go hand in hand. Friendly, curious quokkas watch as you complete laps across this idyllic island.
Whether it’s a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon – the natural scenery is simply spectacular. But beware: the course is challenging, as the island wind is an honest opponent. Yet the charm of this event is unbeatable.
Date: June
All information about the Rottnest Running Festival
9. Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA)
A myth. A monster. A must-do. The UTA is the largest trail event on the continent and takes place in the heart of the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Steep climbs, even steeper descents – and then up again.
The course is spectacular, technically demanding, and blessed with a community that carries you through every valley. Whether you choose the 22K, 50K, 100K, or the notorious 100 miles – anyone who completes it will never be the same again. In the best possible way.
Date: May
All information about Ultra-Trail Australia
10. Melbourne Marathon Festival
Urban, versatile, full of energy – the Melbourne Marathon Festival is the running highlight of southern Australia. The course passes through green parks, past iconic buildings, and finishes in the legendary MCG stadium – goosebumps guaranteed.
With various distances, there’s something for everyone. The atmosphere along the route is typically Australian: relaxed, loud, and friendly. And those who cross the finish line can rightly celebrate – with thousands of spectators and themselves.
Date: October
All information about the Melbourne Marathon Festival
11. Australian Outback Marathon
Red sand, endless horizons, and Uluru as a silent witness – this marathon is more of a pilgrimage than a race. The Australian Outback Marathon offers an unforgettable natural experience far from civilization.
It’s not about seconds, but about emotions. The heat, sand, and solitude are real challenges, but that’s exactly what makes this run so special. Anyone who runs through the heart of Australia sees the sport with new eyes.
Date: July
All information about the Australian Outback Marathon
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