If 2025 was the year of the Pilates princess, 2026 might just belong to the marathon muse.
The Canberra Times Marathon Festival – presented by TCS is entering a bold new era, transforming into a two-day running festival on April 11–12, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be less “gruelling endurance event” and more “destination weekend with your group chat.”
Yes, we’re talking closed roads, iconic landmarks, a buzzy event village and enough post-run brunch potential to make your Strava followers weep.
There’s something cinematic about running past Parliament House at sunrise. Or looping around Lake Burley Griffin with thousands of other runners chasing a PB (or just chasing the finish-line snacks).
Now, Australia’s oldest city marathon is levelling up. From 2026, the festival expands into a full weekend takeover:
- Saturday, April 11: 10K, 5K and a 2K Kids Dash
- Sunday, April 12: Marathon (42.2K) and Half Marathon (21.1K)
- A vibrant event village at John Dunmore Lang Place, spotlighting Canberra’s food, culture and visitor experiences
It’s part fitness challenge, part city showcase — and entirely in step with the rise of run clubs as the new social scene.
From viral “hot girl walks” to Saturday morning run clubs doubling as dating pools, the sport has quietly become one of Australia’s most aesthetic hobbies. And Canberra is leaning in.
Event organisers Sole Motive have partnered with the ACT Government with ambitions to elevate the festival onto both the national and international running calendar. The event has more than doubled in size since 2019, with record participation in 2025, and 2026 is tipped to be the biggest yet.
“We are thrilled to partner with the ACT Government to transform the future of the Canberra Marathon,” said Lisa Holmes, CEO of Sole Motive. “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.
“With registrations now open, we’re ready to welcome runners from across Australia and overseas to experience our new two-day format in 2026.”
Translation? Start planning the matching activewear now.
The beauty of the new format is that it’s genuinely for everyone.
First-timers can dip a toe in with the 5K. Seasoned runners can lock in the half or full marathon. Kids get their own 2K dash moment. And supporters can treat it as a long-weekend getaway with front-row seats to the action.
Plus, runners can fundraise for their favourite charities, so your medal can come with a side of good karma.
If this is the sign you needed to finally commit to that “I’m running a half next year” text you sent in January… here it is.
Standard pricing ends Thursday at 11:59pm, after which last-minute pricing kicks in.
Dates: April 11–12, 2026
Location: John Dunmore Lang Place, Canberra ACT
Register: Now here
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