2025 Australian Marathon Guide and Hydration Strategy: Tips from ACSM and Fixx Nutrition
Autumn is now here in Australia! This means that the 2025 Australian marathon calendar is about to commence as the cooler weather starts to kick in. Fixx Nutrition is passionate about running which is why we’ve put together this guide to the Australian marathon calendar.
As runners around the world prepare for the 2025 marathon season, training plans are well underway for some of the biggest races on the calendar.
Australia hosts some of the most iconic marathons, drawing elite athletes and passionate weekend warriors alike. Whether it’s the iconic Sydney Marathon, the scenic Gold Coast Marathon, or the fun atmosphere that is a feature of Australian running events, these races demand not just physical endurance but also a solid preparation strategy.
Hydration and nutrition are key components to the success of any marathon. Without a proper plan, runners risk dehydration, cramps, and possibly being sidelined. If you were to ask The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) what they believe is one of the key reasons athletes don’t perform at their best on race day, the answer would be improper nutrition and hydration.
Fluid intake, electrolyte balance, and carbohydrates are all vital if a runner is looking to maximise their potential and capitalise on all the training that they’ve done.
At Fixx Nutrition, we’ve spent a great deal of time working with performance coaches and professional sports organisations to better understand the ways in which athletes, particularly runners, can improve.
We also have a deep understanding of hydration needs and over the years we’ve received plenty of emails with the subject, ‘How to hydrate for marathon’. So, in today’s blog, we shine the light on everything you need to know. We also include a few key hydration tips from ACSM.
If one of the many marathons held across Australia is on your list this year, then this post is just for you.
List of Key 2025 Australian marathons
Here is the list of each Australian marathon in 2025. If you see a Fixx logo next to the event that means we are an official event partner - so you can take part knowing that you will be provided the right endurance fuel for your running needs.
April 13, 2025
Bunbury Marathon – Bunbury, WA
Set against the scenic backdrop of Bunbury’s coastline, this marathon offers a mix of road and trail running, with a relatively flat course. It includes multiple race distances and is known for its friendly, community-driven atmosphere.
🔗 More info
Canberra Marathon – Canberra, ACT
A historic marathon with a fast, scenic course through the nation's capital, passing landmarks like Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. It attracts both elite and recreational runners. Fixx Nutrition is the official Nutrition Partner for the 2025 Canberra Times Running Festival.
🔗 More info
May 4, 2025
Adelaide Festival City Marathon – Adelaide, SA
One of South Australia's premier marathons, this race showcases the beauty of Adelaide’s city streets and parklands. It’s a relatively flat course, making it an excellent choice for a PB attempt.
🔗 More info
May 24, 2025
Runaway Noosa Marathon – Noosa, QLD
A fast, multi-lap course set in the heart of Noosa, featuring coastal views, full road closures, and a festive race atmosphere with live music along the route.
🔗 More info
June 1, 2025
Traralgon Marathon – Traralgon, VIC
Australia’s oldest continuously run marathon, this small, friendly event takes place in the Gippsland region, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
🔗 More info
Brisbane Marathon – Brisbane, QLD
A major city marathon with a scenic route along the Brisbane River, taking in sights like South Bank and the Story Bridge. Known for its enthusiastic crowd support.
🔗 More info
July 6, 2025
Gold Coast Marathon – Gold Coast, QLD
One of Australia’s most popular marathons, featuring a fast, flat course along the stunning Gold Coast shoreline. It attracts elite runners aiming for personal bests. Fixx Nutrition is the official supplier of on course hydration for the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and the naming rights partner of the Fixx Nutrition Gold Coast Double (open to those who compete in the Half Marathon on Saturday 5 July and the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 6 July 2025).
🔗 More info
July 11-13, 2025
Marathons in 3 Days – Cairns, QLD
A unique endurance challenge where participants run a full marathon on three consecutive days in tropical North Queensland.
🔗 More info
Cairns Marathon – Cairns, QLD (July 13)
This event takes runners through the lush landscapes of Far North Queensland, featuring a picturesque course and tropical climate.
🔗 More info
July 20, 2025
Goldfields Pipeline Marathon – Goldfields, WA
A unique outback marathon following the historic Goldfields Water Supply Pipeline. The course is rugged and challenging, making it ideal for trail enthusiasts.
🔗 More info
July 26, 2025
Australian Outback Marathon – Uluru, NT
An unforgettable marathon set against the backdrop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. It features a mix of sealed and unsealed roads, giving runners a true Outback experience.
🔗 More info
August 3, 2025
Townsville Marathon – Townsville, QLD
One of North Queensland’s premier running events, offering a flat, coastal course with stunning views of Magnetic Island.
🔗 More info
Sunshine Coast Marathon – Sunshine Coast, QLD
A scenic race with ocean views, a fast course, and a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s a great event for those chasing a personal best.
🔗 More info
August 31, 2025
Sydney Marathon – Sydney, NSW
One of Australia’s biggest marathons, featuring a spectacular course that starts at Milsons Point and finishes at the Sydney Opera House. It is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate series.
🔗 More info
October 12, 2025
Melbourne Marathon – Melbourne, VIC
A prestigious marathon that finishes inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The course takes in famous city landmarks and is popular among elite and amateur runners alike.
🔗 More info
Why Hydration Matters for Runners
ACSM has guided tens of thousands of runners over the years as they look to improve their running performance. A particular area of focus for the organisation is hydration. Here’s what they have to say.
Proper hydration is far more important than most endurance athletes may think. Running a marathon very quickly depletes fluids, especially in warmer conditions or during races that are longer than usual for the athlete. Here’s why hydration is critical:
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Regulates Body Temperature – Staying hydrated helps prevent overheating, which can lead to exhaustion and heat stroke.
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Maintains Blood Volume – Dehydration reduces blood volume, making it harder for the heart to deliver oxygen to muscles.
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Supports Muscle Function – Water and electrolytes keep muscles working efficiently, reducing the risk of cramps and fatigue.
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Boosts Performance – Even mild dehydration can slow you down and make running feel harder than it should.
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Aids Digestion – Proper hydration helps the body absorb key nutrients that enable athletes to perform at their best.
The fact of the matter is, ignoring hydration can wreck your race, no matter how strong your training has been.
The Impact of Poor Hydration
As we mentioned earlier, many runners underestimate the effects of dehydration. If you don’t hydrate properly before and during a marathon, here’s what can happen:
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Fatigue Sets in Early – A lack of fluids will lead to an early energy crash in your race.
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Increased Heart Rate – Dehydration forces your heart to work harder, making the run feel more intense.
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Muscle Cramps – Low sodium levels due to sweat loss can cause painful muscle cramps, derailing your race.
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Heat Stroke or Exhaustion – Runners lose litres of sweat over a marathon, and without adequate hydration, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases.
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Slower Recovery – Dehydration delays muscle repair, making post-race soreness and stiffness last much longer.
We always recommend that runners follow a structured marathon training hydration plan to help avoid these negative effects.
Staying Hydrated With the Right Supplements
It’s not only about drinking enough water before and during the race. There are other factors to consider, including a combination of electrolytes and carbohydrates. This is where supplements come in, offering a convenient way to take what you need with you.
Look for supplements that include the following:
1. Sodium Intake
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The ACSM recommends 300–600 mg of sodium per hour for endurance athletes.
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Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, prevents cramping, and ensures muscles keep firing.
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Fixx Nutrition’s Fuel X endurance formula is packed with optimal sodium levels to sustain your running performance.
2. Carbohydrate Intake
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Carbs are the body’s main fuel source for endurance running.
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ACSM suggests 30–60g of carbs per hour during long-distance races.
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Fuel X contains complex carbohydrates, which deliver a steady energy supply without causing gut distress.
At Fixx Nutrition, we’ve worked closely with sporting professionals to create a range of natural products that give just the right amount of minerals to help runners perform at their best.
Fixx Nutrition’s Range of Marathon Supplements
Our high-quality range of sporting supplements is designed for long-distance runners who need reliable hydration and energy.
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Fuel X Endurance Fuel – A complete hydration and fuelling solution with electrolytes, carbohydrates, and gut-friendly ingredients.
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CrampFix – A fast-acting cramp relief supplement, perfect for preventing and treating muscle cramps during training and racing.
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Energy gels – Perfect for athletes who choose to aim high and push the limits. These gels are convenient and packed with everything a runner needs.
Due to our scientifically backed and all-natural focus, Fixx Nutrition is trusted by professional athletes and sports teams around the world. If you’re ready to join the list of athletes who turn to Fixx Nutrition to improve their performance, take a look at our high-performance sports supplement range.
If you’re looking for sporting or nutrition tips, check out our blog to find out more.