Kangaroo Island Marathon 2026: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re looking for a reason to lace up your running shoes and head to one of Australia’s most breathtaking destinations, the Kangaroo Island Marathon 2026 has just given you one. Set for Sunday, 23 August 2026, the annual run festival returns to the rugged heart of Flinders Chase National Park, offering something for every kind of runner and adventurer.
We’re proud to be an official sponsor of this extraordinary event, and we want to make sure you have everything you need to plan your race weekend on Karta Pintingga, Kangaroo Island.
Key detail: Race Day is Sunday, 23 August 2026. Entries are open now via Marathon Tours & Travel.
About the Kangaroo Island Marathon
First held in 2015, the Kangaroo Island Marathon has grown into one of Australia’s most distinctive destination running events. Over the past decade, it has welcomed runners from 25 countries and every state in Australia, drawing athletes who crave more than just a race, they want an experience.
The course carves through the heart of Flinders Chase National Park, where post-bushfire regeneration has transformed the landscape into something genuinely moving. Runners pass through recovering flora and fauna, tackle undulating and winding roads, run an exposed coastal section with cliff-top views over the powerful Southern Ocean, and cross a boardwalk leading to the iconic Remarkable Rocks.
The event’s resilience after the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires earned it a Bronze Medal at the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards for Best Regional Event and Festival.
As one past runner put it:
“Such a nice change from the ‘usual’ road events. More challenging, more of an adventure and way more spectacular. Event organisation was engaging and flawless, the volunteers were soooo friendly and even though I was towards the back of the pack, I was made to feel special. Do it. You won’t regret it.” — Trish Wood
2026 Race Events at a Glance
The 2026 festival offers four race distances, catering to everyone from first-time 10km runners to seasoned ultra-endurance athletes. All events take place on Sunday, 23 August 2026, in and around Flinders Chase National Park.
Event | Distance | Start Time | Start Location | Cut-off | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KI50 (NEW) | 50 km | 7:30 AM | Entrance to Flinders Chase NP | 6 hrs 30 min | 18 years |
Full Marathon | 42.2 km | 7:30 AM | Entrance to Flinders Chase NP | 6 hrs 30 min | 18 years |
Half Marathon | 21.1 km | 8:00 AM | Remarkable Rocks | 6 hrs 00 min | 14 years |
SeaLink 10km | 10 km | 8:30 AM | Entrance to Flinders Chase NP | 5 hrs 00 min | 10 years |
Please note: Times and details are subject to change. Always check the official event website for the latest information.
Course Details for Each Event
KI50 — Brand New for 2026
The KI50 is the newest addition to the festival and the ultimate test for ultra-distance runners. Starting at the entrance to Flinders Chase National Park, runners follow the full marathon out-and-back course to the Remarkable Rocks, but with an added twist: they also run down to the spectacular Admirals Arch in both directions. On the outbound leg, KI50 runners continue toward Admirals Arch at the lighthouse before turning back to rejoin the marathon course. The return leg adds a second visit to Admirals Arch before the final push to the finish at the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre.
Full Marathon — 42.2 km
The full marathon is the centrepiece of the festival. Starting at the entrance to Flinders Chase National Park (approximately 900m from the race village), runners take on an out-and-back course to the Remarkable Rocks, finishing at the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre. The terrain is challenging, with undulating roads and stunning scenery throughout.
Half Marathon — 21.1 km
The half marathon offers a point-to-point experience, starting at the Remarkable Rocks and finishing at the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre. A free bus transfer departs at 7:15 AM sharp from the Visitors Centre to the start line — don’t miss it!
SeaLink 10km
The SeaLink 10km is a fantastic entry point for those new to the event or running shorter distances. Starting at the entrance to Flinders Chase National Park, runners take an out-and-back course into the park before returning to the Visitors Centre finish line. Open to runners aged 10 and above, it’s also a great option for younger members of the family.
Travel Packages for Race Weekend
The Kangaroo Island Marathon is now owned and operated by the Adelaide-based Marathon Tours & Travel, who have been creating extraordinary destination running experiences across seven continents for over 46 years. For 2026, they’ve put together dedicated travel packages designed for both runners and their travel companions:
5-Night Premium Package — a fully immersive race weekend experience
3-Night Package — the perfect balance of race prep and island exploration
Self-Drive Package — for those who prefer to explore at their own pace
You can view all travel packages on the Marathon Tours & Travel website.
Where to Stay: Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island
As a proud official sponsor of the Kangaroo Island Marathon, we at Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island know just how important a good night’s rest is before race day. Located on the Kingscote waterfront, the island’s main hub and the gateway for most visitors arriving via SeaLink ferry, we’re ideally positioned to serve as your base for the entire race weekend.
Why stay with us:
Comfortable hotel rooms and serviced apartments with sea views
Parsons Restaurant for pre-race carb loading and post-race celebrations
Swimming pool to soak tired legs after the event
Friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the island inside and out
Easy access to the ferry terminal and Kingscote Airport
Race weekend fills up fast on Kangaroo Island. We’d strongly recommend securing your accommodation well in advance. Book direct on our website for the best rate guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kangaroo Island Marathon 2026?
The Kangaroo Island Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, 23 August 2026. All four race distances run on the same day.
What distances are available at the 2026 event?
There are four distances to choose from:
KI50 — 50 km (brand new for 2026)
Full Marathon — 42.2 km
Half Marathon — 21.1 km
SeaLink 10km — 10 km
Where does the marathon take place?
All events are held in and around Flinders Chase National Park on the western end of Kangaroo Island. The finish line for all events is at the Flinders Chase Visitors Centre.
How do I enter the Kangaroo Island Marathon 2026?
Entries are open now through Marathon Tours & Travel. You can also sign up for the newsletter at the official event website for updates.
How do I get to Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island is accessible by ferry from Cape Jervis (approximately 45 minutes from Adelaide) via SeaLink, or by light aircraft to Kingscote Airport. Most visitors arriving by ferry will land in Penneshaw, then drive approximately 1.5 hours to Kingscote or Flinders Chase.
What accommodation is available near the marathon?
Accommodation on Kangaroo Island books out quickly around race weekend. We recommend staying at Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island in Kingscote, where you’ll enjoy waterfront rooms, a restaurant, and a pool — perfect for recovering after race day. Book direct here for the best rate.
Is the Kangaroo Island Marathon suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The SeaLink 10km is open to runners aged 10 and over and is a great introduction to the event. The Half Marathon is also open to runners aged 14 and over. The full marathon and KI50 are recommended for more experienced runners given the challenging, undulating terrain.
Are there travel packages available for the 2026 marathon?
Yes. Marathon Tours & Travel offer 3-night, 5-night premium, and self-drive packages for runners and spectators. Visit their website for full details.
The Kangaroo Island Marathon is more than a race, it’s one of those rare events where the journey, the landscape, and the community combine to create something you’ll be talking about for years. Whether you’re chasing a personal best over 42.2km, tackling the brand-new KI50, or joining the family for the SeaLink 10km, August 2026 on Kangaroo Island is going to be special.
Ready to enter? Head to kangarooislandmarathon.com to register. And when you’re ready to book your accommodation, we’d love to have you stay with us at Ozone Hotel Kangaroo Island. Race weekend fills up fast, don’t leave it too late.
Related Links
Images credit: Kangaroo Island Marathon