The Hobart Marathon Festival will return in April, showcasing the city’s waterfront and offering six distances for runners of all abilities.
The course runs along Constitution Dock, the Derwent River and Salamanca, taking in waterfront views and heritage landmarks across a scenic two-lap route.
Distances include a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km run, 5km run, 5km walk and a 2km fun run and walk.
Half marathon participants complete one lap, while marathon runners take on the full two-lap course.
Both distances include on-course entertainment and spectator viewing points, with a waterfront finish on a red carpet.
Eve Mure, from 10km sponsor Mure’s Restaurant and a returning participant, said the course’s scenery helped offset its difficulty.
“You take off in the dark and as you’re running up towards the domain, the sun’s kind of rising and it’s so beautiful,” she said.
“And then you’re seeing familiar faces and it’s got a reputation as being quite a hilly course, but it’s really enjoyable and it gives you appreciation of hills that you didn’t know were actually that steep when you’re driving.”
Mure will compete in the half marathon this year after previously completing the full distance twice, following an injury in September that forced her to scale back her ambitions.
“The Hobart Marathon Festival is so well run and it’s just such a feel good, healthy thing for the community,” Mure said.
Mure’s Restaurant also hosts a weekly running club each Tuesday at 6pm, attracting about 80 runners who receive free ice cream after a 40-minute session.
“I always say you have to be sweaty to get one [ice cream], otherwise people like hiding around the corner and reappearing when it’s time to get an ice cream,” Mure said.
The event has been designed as a community-focused festival, welcoming families and people with disabilities.
The 2km event allows parents with prams and wheelchair participants to take part, while a family entertainment precinct will offer free activities throughout the day.
Variety Tasmania has been named the major beneficiary of the 2026 festival.
The charity supports children who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability through programs, experiences and community grants.
“Variety helps Tassie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability and at risk of falling through the gaps,” organisers said.
The organisation has supported Tasmanian children for more than 30 years, focusing on improving quality of life, self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
“Simply put, Variety helps kids, be kids,” they said.
Registrations are open at hobartmarathon.com.au
