It’s around that time of year where we start signing off from work and thinking about the year that is to come. This year, despite all of the tough times, is no exception. In fact, perhaps more so than ever, us runners are looking forward to getting back to racing, back to consistent training routines and less threat of race cancellations due to natural disasters or global pandemics. Judging from race directors and the increase in advertising for races around Australia, there is now more confidence than at any point over the last 6 months, that we will get races going ahead in 2021.
Amongst the many goals that runners often have as they usher in the new year, running a marathon (or a faster marathon) is usually pretty close to the top of the list. So what are your options if you do fancy training for and tackling the 42.2km distance in 2021?
Here’s a list of 10 road marathons around Australia that already have their dates locked in for 2021:
The Big 3
If you’re looking to do the most popular runs of the year, these will be just the ticket. Fast courses, big crowds and other race distance options.
Gold Coast Marathon - 3 July 2021
Sydney Marathon - 19 September 2021
Melbourne Marathon - 10 October 2021
The Local Option.
If you’re not looking to pay an extortionate price for your marathon experience and fancy taking on a more locally flavoured challenge with a smaller field.
Wangaratta Marathon - 14 March 2021
The Weekend Away Option.
Race tourism will be back in full swing for 2021 we hope and these marathons give you the option of a short weekend getaway. These events are big enough to have other race options for the non-marathoners amongst your party.
Cadbury Marathon, Tasmania - 4 April 2021
Canberra Times Marathon Festival - 11 April 2021
Great Ocean Road Marathon - 15 May 2021
Adelaide Marathon - 22 August 2021
The Winter Sun Option.
One of my favourite pastimes…Getting out of the cold over winter. These options and the Gold Coast are popular for Melbournians looking to train from the end of summer into winter, then make a holiday complete with stiff legs and guilt free beers.
Brisbane Marathon - 6 June 2021
Sunshine Coast Marathon - 15 August 2021
As you can see the earliest of these is in March, so if you are thinking about a marathon in the first half of next year, its time to start thinking about when you will start your training in earnest. A typical marathon training program would be a minimum of 12 weeks, but more sensibly will be 16-20 weeks, depending on your level of fitness and goals. This allows for you to build up the k’s safely, rather than pushing your body to breaking point and risking injury. As a general rule, we would factor in 16 weeks, so feel free to use that to help you plan.
At GoRun, our coaches have a huge amount of marathon experience, from the Great Wall of China marathon, to marathons on treadmills, we’ve given most things a go! You can also check out our runners and their marathon stories.