Half Marathon Course

The 21.1km Half Marathon is a spectacular one-lap out-and-back course along the Mornington Peninsula coastline.

Runners start on The Esplanade in Mornington and head south towards Mount Martha, continuing through and beyond Mount Martha Village to the turnaround point at Stanley Crescent.

After turning at Stanley Crescent, runners head north along The Esplanade back towards Mornington, before turning left into Flinders Drive, veering right into Mornington Park and entering the finishing chute.

New for 2027 – More Road for Our Half Marathon Runners!

For the first time in the event's history, Half Marathon athletes will have access to both sides of The Esplanade across the course, giving runners significantly more road space than in previous years.

Runners will generally have full use of the southbound lane on the way out and full use of the northbound lane on the way back, except for a designated resident-access section.

This exciting change means:

  • More space for runners
  • Less congestion
  • Easier and safer overtaking
  • Better race flow
  • An improved Half Marathon experience


Course & Traffic Flow - Outbound – Mornington to Stanley Crescent

From Mornington, Half Marathon runners will head south with full use of the southbound lane of The Esplanade towards the turnaround at Stanley Crescent.

Resident Access Section

  • Between Bay Road and Prescott Avenue, runners will move into the designated shared lane.
  • This allows residents in surrounding side streets to safely access their properties, as their only vehicle access is via The Esplanade.
  • Please take extra care through this section and follow all event signage, traffic controls and instructions from event officials.
  • Return – Stanley Crescent to Mornington
  • After completing the turnaround at Stanley Crescent, runners will head north with full use of the northbound lane of The Esplanade back towards Mornington, except through the designated resident-access section.
  • Runners will then turn left into Flinders Drive, veer right into Mornington Park and make their way into the finishing chute.


Why Is There a Resident Access Section?

While we're excited to provide Half Marathon runners with access to significantly more road space in 2027, we also need to maintain essential access for some local residents.

Some properties and side streets along The Esplanade have no alternative vehicle access.

This traffic-management plan allows us to give athletes both sides of the road across the Half Marathon course while still allowing residents and visitors to Mount Martha Village to move around safely.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping us deliver a safe event while maintaining a positive relationship with the local Mornington and Mount Martha communities.

What Is the Course Like?

The Mornington Half Marathon is a stunning but honest coastal course.

It's not completely flat, but there isn't one major climb. Instead, expect a series of rolling hills, gradual climbs and flowing downhill sections as you travel along The Esplanade towards Mount Martha and back.

The elevation is accumulated gradually throughout the race rather than through one large hill.

Distance: 21.1km
Course Type: One-lap out-and-back
Approx. Elevation Gain: 120–160m
Turnaround: Stanley Crescent, Mount Martha
Surface: Sealed road

Half Marathon Elevation Profile

The course features approximately 120–160 metres of total elevation gain across the 21.1km.

Expect rolling coastal terrain, with a mixture of gradual climbs, downhill sections and flatter stretches.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Each race will start on The Esplanade, Mornington Park. (excluding the 1km Kids Dash). Competitors will head south along The Esplanade toward their turnaround.

10km Course

The 10km Run follows the same spectacular coastal route as the Half Marathon, heading south along The Esplanade from Mornington towards Mount Martha.

The turnaround point is located just past Craigie Road, in front of Helena Street.

After completing the turnaround, runners head north along The Esplanade back towards Mornington, turn left into Flinders Drive, then veer right into Mornington Park and enter the finishing chute.

The 10km extends further along the coastline towards Mount Martha and features a mixture of rolling terrain and longer gradual rises, followed by a strong return leg into Mornington.

Distance: 10km
Course Type: Out-and-back
Approx. Elevation Gain: 60–80m
Turnaround: Helena Street
Surface: Sealed road

5km Course

The 5km Run follows the same coastal route as the Half Marathon and 10km.

Runners head south along The Esplanade from Mornington to the turnaround point at Coral Street, approximately 500 metres past Strachans Road.

After completing the turnaround, runners head north along The Esplanade, turn left into Flinders Drive, then veer right into Mornington Park and enter the finishing chute.

The 5km is a beautiful out-and-back course with gentle rolling sections and fantastic coastal views.

It's ideal for beginners and walkers while still providing a great course for experienced runners chasing a fast time.

Distance: 5km
Course Type: Out-and-back
Approx. Elevation Gain: 30–40m
Turnaround: Coral Street
Surface: Sealed road

Kids' 1km Course


  • The Kids' 1km Run will start and finish in the finishing chute at Mornington Park.
  • All children should gather near the finish line at least 5 minutes before their scheduled start time.
  • The course heads out of Mornington Park and turns left onto Flinders Drive. Children will complete a U-turn before reaching The Esplanade, head back along Flinders Drive to the designated turnaround point, and then return towards the finishing chute in Mornington Park.
  • Parents and guardians are encouraged to run alongside younger children and enjoy the experience with them.
  • The Kids' Run is not timed, and parents or guardians accompanying their child do not need to purchase an additional entry.


Course & Traffic Flow – Important 2027 Update

Please review the traffic arrangements for your race distance before race day.

5km Runners

Outbound: Southbound lane of The Esplanade
Return: Northbound lane of The Esplanade

10km Runners

Outbound: Southbound lane of The Esplanade
Return: Northbound lane of The Esplanade

Half Marathon Runners

There are major improvements to the Half Marathon road setup for 2027, with runners having access to both sides of The Esplanade across the course.

Please refer to the Half Marathon Course section above for the full road and resident-access information.

Important Course Information

Volunteers and marshals will be positioned throughout the course to assist with safety and event operations. However, participants are responsible for knowing and following their course.

✅ All turnaround points will be clearly marked.
✅ Follow all course signage, cones, barriers and directional markers.
✅ Remain within the designated race course and lane.
🚫 If you miss your turnaround point or take an incorrect route, it is the athlete's responsibility and no time adjustment will be made.

We strongly recommend reviewing your course map before race day so you are familiar with your route and turnaround point.