Why the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games marathon should be in Ballarat

Ballarat has all the credentials to host marathon events at the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, and is the perfect location for athletes, organisers, spectators, and broadcast viewers. 

In April, Ballarat was named host city for athletics at the 2026 Games, with most events to be held at Mars Stadium.  

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the location for the marathon events – which include the men's, women’s and wheelchair categories - has not yet been confirmed.  

“Traditionally the Commonwealth Games marathon is contested in the same city (location) as all other athletics events, and we have every expectation this tradition will continue in 2026,” he said.

“In the event other locations may be under consideration, it’s worth highlighting the clear advantages to staging the marathon in Ballarat.” 

A video showcasing those advantages has been sent to key stakeholders in the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games Australia and Athletics Australia.

The video features Cr Moloney, 2006 Commonwealth Games runner and Ballarat resident Shane Nankervis, emerging Ballarat runner Gretta Ashley and City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Evan King.

Cr Moloney said Ballarat has a long and proud tradition of distance running, from community competition through to elite level competitors. 

“Four decades ago, Steve Moneghetti began training on the same Ballarat streets we hope will host the marathon events in 2026. Steve still runs them today,” he said. 

“Our vision is that the legacy of these events will be to inspire generations of young Ballarat runners to the same heights as Steve Moneghetti and Shane Nankervis.” 

A Ballarat marathon could deliver the drama and excitement of a stadium finish, with the sights and sounds of a 30,000 strong Mars Stadium crowd to spur runners to the line. 

“As a volunteer at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the personal highlight for me was witnessing Australian marathon runner Kerryn McCann enter the MCG just behind Kenyan runner Hellen Cherono Koskei,” Cr Moloney said. 

“McCann was lifted by the roaring crowd to victory in the last 200 metres, providing a memorable atmosphere as part of the athletics competition. It would be fantastic to provide athletes, live crowds and television audiences from around the world with the opportunity for a stadium finish to the 2026 marathon.”

Cr Moloney said residents of Ballarat and western Victoria would love the opportunity to see the marathon in their own backyard. 

Whether it’s the tree-lined boulevard of Sturt Street, our rich array of 19th century heritage buildings in Lydiard Street, Lake Wendouree and our Botanical Gardens – Ballarat will make an outstanding backdrop for broadcast and excellent spectator viewing opportunities. 

“We can make sure it’s the best spectator event Victoria can offer. Sport is a way of life in Ballarat, and local fans will jump at the chance to experience a world class event on their own streets and at no cost,” Cr Moloney said.

“It would allow them to train on the competition course and acclimatise to local conditions, and to have the full Commonwealth Games experience with their own athletics team.  

More importantly, they will have necessary and immediate access to athletics team medical and support staff.”

For athletes, Ballarat would enable the best possible preparation to run the marathon.

For event organisers a Ballarat marathon eliminates the requirement to temporarily accommodate athletes and officials at a separate location or establish another hub.

“It also removes the need to duplicate the security and support logistics we will have in place in Ballarat,” Cr Moloney said.