But here’s the thing about marathon day – it only goes well if your training does.
So if you’ve signed up or are thinking about it, let’s get you ready with an insider’s guide and a full 16-week Brighton marathon training plan. Whether this is your first 42.2K or your fifth, this guide’s designed to help you arrive at the start line feeling strong, not scared.
The Brighton Beach Marathon offers one of the most scenic and accessible running events in Victoria. For event details, travel tips, and local attractions, visit the Visit Melbourne event page.
Why Run the Brighton Beach Marathon?
The Brighton Beach Marathon isn’t like your typical big-city race. You won’t be weaving through thousands of elbows or hearing blaring music every kilometer. Instead, you’ll run along the coast, soaking in views of Port Phillip Bay and leafy suburbs like Elwood and Sandringham.
The course is flat, fast, and run mostly on paved pedestrian paths. That makes it perfect if you’re chasing a personal best—or simply want your knees to thank you later.
And the location? Just 11km from Melbourne’s CBD. That means easy access, coffee afterwards, and a crowd that knows how to cheer.
Let’s be honest: not all races have soul. But this one does.
When Is the Marathon and Who Should Enter?
The Brighton Beach Marathon is held on August 31st, right as Melbourne begins to edge out of winter and the spring sunshine starts peeking through.
It’s open to runners of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or training for your very first 42.2km, the event is welcoming and well-organized. There are also half marathon and 10K options for those wanting a shorter challenge.
What Makes Training for a Coastal Marathon Different?
Here’s the thing about coastal races: wind matters. Unlike city marathons where buildings shield you, Brighton’s sea breeze is a regular guest. Some years it’s gentle. Other years? Let’s just say your hat may fly off.
That means your Brighton marathon training should include sessions where you train in windy conditions, especially tempo runs or long runs. It also means paying extra attention to pacing—don’t burn out early into a headwind section.
Also, cooler temperatures in late August can be deceptive. It may feel chilly at the start but warm up quickly under the sun. Dress in layers on race day, but keep it breathable.
How Should You Pace the Brighton Beach Marathon?
Pacing is everything—especially on a flat course like Brighton. If your goal is simply to finish, think “conserve early, survive late.” But if you’re targeting a sub-4 or sub-3:30, you’ll need to dial in your marathon pace weeks ahead of time.
Try this:
- Run your weekly tempo runs at goal marathon pace – 10–15 seconds per km
- Use a GPS watch to keep even splits on long runs
- Practice negative splits during training so your second half feels strong
Pro tip: Brighton’s last 10km has slight rollers—don’t be fooled by the “flat” label. Save some fuel.
What Gear Do You Really Need for Brighton?
Running Melbourne’s coast in late winter can mean chilly starts and warmer finishes. So:
- Dress in layers you can peel off
- Use anti-chafe balm—salt spray + wind = irritation
- Bring a light buff or cap for wind protection
- Shoes: train in what you’ll race in, ideally 4–6 weeks out
Oh – and don’t forget to break in your race socks. Blisters have ended more marathons than bad pacing.
The Complete 16-Week Brighton Beach Marathon Training Plan
Whether you’re just aiming to finish or going for a new PB, we’ve built two plans tailored to your experience. Both are designed for the August 31st race day and include a smart balance of effort, rest, and progress.
Beginner Marathon Training Plan (16 Weeks)
| Week | Tues (Intervals/Hills) | Wed (Easy) | Thurs (Tempo/Steady) | Sat (Easy/Optional) | Sun (Long Run) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 x 2 min jog/run | 5 km | 3 km steady | 4 km | 8 km |
| 2 | 5 x 2 min | 5 km | 4 km steady | 4 km | 10 km |
| 3 | 6 x 2 min | 5 km | 4 km steady | 5 km | 12 km |
| 4 | 3 x 4 min | 6 km | 5 km steady | 5 km | 14 km |
| 5 | 4 x hill repeats | 6 km | 5 km tempo | 5 km | 16 km |
| 6 | 5 x 3 min | 6 km | 6 km tempo | 6 km | 18 km |
| 7 | 6 x 3 min | 6 km | 6 km steady | 6 km | 20 km |
| 8 | 3 x 2 min | 5 km | 4 km easy | Rest | 12 km |
| 9 | 6 x 4 min | 6 km | 7 km tempo | 6 km | 22 km |
| 10 | 4 x hill repeats | 7 km | 6 km steady | 6 km | 24 km |
| 11 | 5 x 4 min | 6 km | 8 km tempo | 6 km | 26 km |
| 12 | 6 x 3 min | 6 km | 7 km steady | 6 km | 28 km |
| 13 | 4 x hill repeats | 5 km | 5 km tempo | 5 km | 22 km |
| 14 | 3 x 3 min | 5 km | 5 km steady | 5 km | 16 km |
| 15 | 2 x 2 min | 4 km | 4 km easy | 4 km | 10 km |
| 16 | Strides + rest week | 3–4 km | 3 km jog | Rest | RACE DAY! 42.2 km |
New to marathons? Our Beginner Marathon Training Plan offers extra support and guidance for first-time runners building endurance from scratch.
Experienced Marathon Training Plan (16 Weeks)
| Week | Tues (Speed/Hills) | Wed (Easy Run) | Thurs (Tempo/MP) | Sat (Easy/Strides) | Sun (Long Run) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 x 400m @ 5K pace | 8 km | 6 km tempo | 6 km + strides | 14 km |
| 2 | 6 x 600m | 8 km | 8 km tempo | 6 km | 16 km |
| 3 | 5 x 800m @ 10K pace | 9 km | 9 km tempo | 7 km | 18 km |
| 4 | 8 x 45 sec hill sprints | 8 km | 10 km steady | 6 km | 20 km |
| 5 | 4 x 1K @ 10K pace | 8 km | 10 km tempo | 6 km | 22 km |
| 6 | 6 x 1K @ 10K pace | 10 km | 12 km MP | 8 km | 24 km |
| 7 | 4 x 1.2K | 9 km | 14 km tempo | 7 km | 26 km |
| 8 | Strides only | 7 km | 8 km MP | 6 km | 18 km |
| 9 | 6 x hill sprints | 10 km | 12 km tempo | 8 km | 28 km |
| 10 | 4 x 1.6K @ 10K pace | 10 km | 16 km MP | 8 km | 30 km |
| 11 | 3 x 2K | 10 km | 18 km steady | 8 km | 32 km |
| 12 | 6 x 800m | 9 km | 14 km tempo | 7 km | 26 km |
| 13 | 4 x 1K | 8 km | 10 km MP | 7 km | 22 km |
| 14 | 6 x 400m strides | 6 km | 8 km easy | 6 km | 16 km |
| 15 | 4 x 200m strides | 5 km | 5 km easy | 4 km | 10 km |
| 16 | 3 km jog | 4 km | 3 km jog | Rest | RACE DAY! 42.2 km |
Looking for a structured approach tailored to your level? Check out our Marathon Training Plan for All Levels which covers beginners to advanced runners.
Brighton Beach Marathon FAQs
How long should I taper before the Brighton Beach Marathon?
What should I eat before race day?
What if it’s windy on race day?
Do I need trail shoes or road shoes?
How many long runs do I need before race day?
Final Thoughts on the Brighton Beach Marathon
The Brighton Beach Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a chance to challenge yourself on one of Melbourne’s most scenic coastal routes. Whether you’re aiming to finish your first marathon or smash a personal best, success comes down to smart, consistent training.
And here’s the thing – you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re looking for guidance, structure, and support every step of the way, our personalised running coaching is designed to help you train smarter, stay motivated, and toe the line with confidence. From pacing strategies to race-day nutrition and weekly feedback, we’ve coached hundreds of runners just like you.
So—ready to take the next step?
Let’s make your Brighton Beach Marathon experience one to remember. You bring the drive, and we’ll bring the plan.
