New Year, New Marathon: Run Straight into 2026 the Newy Way

If fitness is high on your New Year’s resolution list, 2026 could be the year you take your running beyond the Newcastle Foreshore and onto start lines around Australia and overseas. From coastal classics to international bucket-list races, destination marathons add motivation, meaning and a serious sense of achievement to your training calendar.

You’ve conquered Hill2Harbour. You’ve earned your medal at the Newcastle Marathon. Now it’s time to dream bigger, run further and turn race day into a travel experience — without the hassle of long drives or pre-dawn motorway starts.

With direct flights from Newcastle Airport, chasing marathon goals interstate and abroad has never been easier.

Why Destination Marathons Are the Ultimate Motivation

Training for a destination marathon gives every long run a purpose. Knowing there’s a finish line waiting in a new city — or even another country — can transform routine kilometres into something exciting. Add sightseeing, food, culture and recovery time, and your race becomes a full holiday with a medal at the end.

Flying direct from Newcastle Airport means you can start your journey relaxed, focused and ready to perform.

Canberra Times Marathon Festival

Canberra Times Marathon Festival

Held in mid-April 2026, the Canberra Times Marathon Festival is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected running events. The course winds around Lake Burley Griffin, offering heritage architecture, open spaces and cool autumn conditions ideal for distance running.

Beyond race day, Canberra rewards runners with galleries, museums and scenic walks through the National Arboretum, making it a well-rounded long weekend escape.

Gold Coast Marathon

Scheduled for early July 2026, the Gold Coast Marathon is famous for its flat, fast course and consistently cool winter conditions. It’s a favourite for runners chasing personal bests, with ocean views and enthusiastic crowd support keeping legs moving.

Post-race recovery comes naturally here, whether that’s a swim at Burleigh, breakfast in Palm Beach or a relaxed coastal stroll before flying home.

Brisbane Marathon

Taking place in late June 2026, the Brisbane Marathon blends city energy with riverside scenery. The course showcases Brisbane’s evolving skyline while maintaining a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that suits runners of all paces.

Runners can extend their stay with time at South Bank, riverside dining or a performance at QPAC, turning race weekend into a cultural city break.

Adelaide Marathon

Late August 2026 brings crisp air and scenic running at the Adelaide Marathon. The course weaves through parklands and along river paths, offering a calm, green setting that contrasts beautifully with the city centre.

Adelaide is also perfectly placed for post-run indulgence, with the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale within easy reach for wine tasting and relaxation.

Bali Marathon

For runners looking beyond Australia, the Maybank Bali Marathon in late August 2026 delivers an unforgettable international race experience. Set in the lush Gianyar region, the course passes villages, temples and rice fields, blending endurance sport with deep cultural immersion.

Recovery is effortless in Bali, with spa treatments, yoga sessions, Ubud retreats and beachfront dining completing the ultimate run-and-relax escape.

Start Your Race Journey Close to Home

Newcastle Airport

Whether your goal is speed, scenery or shared miles with friends, 2026 offers no shortage of inspiring marathons. And the biggest win comes before you even reach the start line — flying from Newcastle Airport means less travel stress and more energy for race day.

Skip the motorway. Check in locally. Run further, faster and smarter in 2026.

Newcastle Airport
Website: https://www.newcastleairport.com.au

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