For many runners, marathon day isn’t about smashing a PB – it’s about surviving all 42.195 kilometres without melting, climbing a mountain, or choking on humidity thick enough to slice with a knife.
And let’s be honest: not all marathons are created equal. Some courses are flat, cool and breezy. Others feel like running through a sauna… uphill… at altitude.
So we analysed 28 marathons across Australia and New Zealand to answer the question every casual and intermediate runner secretly wants to know: which marathon is the best?
To determine the easiest and most comfortable marathon courses in Australia and New Zealand, we developed a weighted scoring system based on seven key factors. Elevation gain, temperature, humidity, fastest time, altitude and popularity indicators – participants and Instagram mentions. To determine ranking, each marathon was given a score out of 100.
View the full interactive table with all 28 marathons here.
The Verdict: Gold Coast Marathon is the Most Runner-Friendly Marathon in Australia & NZ
Gold Coast Marathon – Overall Score: 79/100
When: July
Elevation Gain: 62m | Temp: 18°C | Altitude: 12m | Humidity: 66%
Gold Coast earns its #1 ranking thanks to the most forgiving overall conditions in the dataset: a famously flat course, steady sea-level altitude, predictable cool-mild winter weather, and a large field that supports pacing, energy, and logistics.
Its elevation is among the lowest in the country, the temperature sits in a comfortable winter running zone, and the course has one of the fastest elite times on record in the Southern Hemisphere, signalling a fast, smooth run even for everyday athletes.
On top of the ideal racing conditions, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations. Runners get a sun-kissed, oceanfront course with uninterrupted coastal views that feel more like a scenic long run than a competitive race. Imagine crossing the finish line and celebrating with a post-race dip at Surfers Paradise, brunch along the beach, or even a full weekend getaway. For many, it’s not just a marathon, it’s a mini-holiday with a medal at the end.
Combined with huge social buzz, a scenic coastline route, holiday-worthy surroundings and textbook marathon weather, the Gold Coast Marathon is officially the easiest, breeziest race to run in Australia & NZ. So whether you’re running your first marathon or trying to smash a PB, the Gold Coast has the marathon to do it.
The Contenders: Top 5 Most Comfortable Marathons
2. Christchurch Marathon – Score: 72.7/100
When: April
Elevation Gain: 33m | Temp: 12°C | Altitude: 20m | Humidity: 74%
Christchurch is the hidden gem of New Zealand and sits at the coolest marathon in the top five, literally. The 12°C April temperature is near-perfect for distance running, and the elevation gain is one of the lowest in the entire dataset. High humidity is its only drawback, but the flat course and crisp autumn weather make Christchurch one of the most comfortable marathons for first-timers and casual runners. While Christchurch might have near-perfect running conditions, in contrast, the Gold Coast brings a full holiday atmosphere, huge crowds, buzzing coastal precincts, iconic beachfront backdrops, and that infectious “big-race” electricity that can help carry runners through the tough late kilometres.
3. Wellington Marathon – Score: 71/100
When: April
Elevation Gain: 30m | Temp: 13°C | Altitude: 12m | Humidity: 78%
Wellington is technically the flattest of the top five, with just 30 metres of elevation gain, and its sea-level altitude helps make pacing and breathing easier. Weather conditions are reliably cool and runner-friendly. Humidity is on the higher side, but with a calm out-and-back route, Wellington remains one of the most comfortable courses in NZ.
4. Melbourne Marathon – Score: 67.2/100
When: October
Elevation Gain: 135m | Temp: 14°C | Altitude: 31m | Humidity: 67%
Melbourne offers the best big-city comfort experience: cool spring weather, moderate humidity, and a huge field of 14,000 runners creating pace groups at every level. While the 135m elevation gain is higher than the NZ courses, the temperature and dryness balance it out.
As one of the biggest marathons in Australia, Melbourne carries an atmosphere most races can’t replicate: the noise, the crowds, the energy, the finish inside the MCG. For many runners, the hype alone is enough to carry them through the final kilometres. Looking at social media, it has the second highest number of mentions on Instagram. With the country’s largest marathon field and a fast 2:09:12 course record, Melbourne is ideal for runners who want crowd energy and prestige but also some manageable course conditions.
5. Perth Marathon – Score: 65.7/100
When: October
Elevation Gain: 187m | Temp: 16°C | Altitude: 15m | Humidity: 53%
Perth ranks fifth thanks to the most comfortable humidity level in the entire Top 5 at just 53%, significantly lower than its rivals. Combined with stable spring temperatures, sea-level running, and a relaxed mid-sized field, it’s one of the most physically forgiving races climate-wise. While the elevation gain is higher, the cool, dry conditions soften the impact and make this an excellent choice for runners who prefer crisp, breathable air.
Honourable Mentions: Outside the Numbers
Sydney Marathon – The Scenic Comfort Pick
Sydney’s humidity and elevation keep it out of the top tier, but for runners who love cool weather and bucket-list views from the Harbour Bridge to the famous Opera House, comfort becomes a matter of distraction.
While it fell outside the Top 5 due to its significant elevation gain, Sydney is still one of the most prestigious marathons in the Southern Hemisphere. Like Melbourne, it holds Major status on the global circuit and boasts the single fastest marathon time in all of Australia & New Zealand, a blistering 2:06:06. For runners chasing prestige, atmosphere, world-class organisation, and genuine elite-course speed, Sydney remains a standout.
Plus for the people who want to seen on socials or the influencers that are chasing reach, it has the most number of Instagram mentions of all the locations we looked at.
Cairns Marathon – Great for Warm-Weather Runners
If you like the occasional sauna after the gym, you are going to love running the Cairns Marathon. Cairns offers a flat route and lively atmosphere, just be prepared for tropical conditions, higher temperatures and lots of sweat.
Hobart Marathon – For the View Collectors
While elevation knocks its score down, Hobart’s crisp April temperatures and scenic waterfront course appeal strongly to runners who prefer cold air, clean views and challenging terrain. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love a weekend away in one of Australia’s most scenic states? So, if you want to take the scenic route, the Hobart Marathon could be the one for you.
How to Choose Your Perfect “Comfort Marathon”
Your easiest marathon isn’t only about being flat, it’s about choosing a race that supports your physiology:
Want cool weather?
Pick Christchurch, Melbourne, Dunedin, or Canberra.
Hate hills?
Pick Christchurch, Wellington, Gold Coast, or Cairns.
Need low humidity?
Pick Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Ballarat.
Prefer big crowds (less lonely)?
Pick Melbourne, Gold Coast, or Sydney.
Want a friendly, not overwhelming field?
Pick Newcastle, Shepparton, or Wellington.
Some runners need cool, dry air. Others thrive in warmth. Some need flat terrain, others want big-race support. Our data shows that “easy” is personal, but certain races offer conditions noticeably kinder on the body.
Methodology
To determine the easiest and most comfortable marathon courses in Australia and New Zealand, we developed a weighted scoring system based on seven key factors. These elements were chosen because they directly affect how physically demanding a marathon feels to runners, from climate stress to terrain difficulty to race-day atmosphere.
The weights given to each factor are elevation gain (25%), temperature (20%), humidity (20%), fastest time (20%), altitude (5%), popularity indicators (participants and Instagram mentions, 10%),
Data Notes: All information is current as of November 2025. Course records, participant numbers, and conditions may vary. Always check official race websites for the most up-to-date details before registering.
