An estimated 16,000 runners are set to pound the streets of Melbourne on Sunday for the city's annual marathon.

The event has attracted more entrants than ever this year, outnumbering both Sydney and the Gold Coast in the 42 km category to become Australia's biggest marathon, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.

The 42-km course starts at the MCG before heading out to Sandringham, in the city's bayside suburbs, before returning to Jolimont, with more than $20,000 in prize money and $30,000 in prizes up for grabs.

The full marathon and a half marathon start at 7.45am (AEST) while a 10-km walk and 5.5-km walk start from 8.30am and 9am respectively.

It's the 30th time the marathon has been run in Melbourne.

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