Following record-breaking numbers in 2018, the Melbourne Marathon Festival returns to the revered Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Sunday, 13 October 2019. Australia’s largest marathon is set to be bigger and better than ever, with organisers encouraging participants to choose their distance and register for early bird tickets before 2 July to secure the best price and a personalised race bib delivered to straight to their door.
The beloved festival gives participants a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Melbourne’s famous landmarks alongside swathes of fellow athletes in a whole new context. From the stunning St Kilda foreshore to Flinders St Station and Albert Park Lake, there is no more satisfying way to experience the city’s sightseeing hotspots.
All races start beside the banks of the Yarra at Birrarung Marr and end with a victory lap inside the MCG to the deafening roar of a 40,000 strong crowd.
The Melbourne Marathon has held a prized place in the heart of generations of Australian and international runners for decades, with a select few – crowned “Spartans” – having run every consecutive race over the past 42 years, keep an eye out for their yellow jerseys.
As the adage goes, summer bodies are made in winter, so there is no better time to set a fitness goal and hit Melbourne’s top running routes like the Tan and Albert Park Lake to build stamina ahead of the October race day.
Featuring five cleverly curated courses for people of all ages, abilities and athletic stature, there is a circuit for everyone to experience the adrenaline-fuelled, fun-filled fitness festival.
Melbourne Marathon 42.195km
The division that made headlines in 2018 when Melbourne local Sinead Diver set an impressive new record, this is the event to smash your personal best. From the elite athlete who dreams of the horizon and thrives on the competitive training path, to the determined bucket list breaker, each year the marathon attracts a slew of tenacious runners. Boasting one of the world’s flattest courses, there is no better place to tackle the iconic 42kms.
SriLankan Airlines 21.1km Half Marathon
Geared towards the focused fitness fan who finds inspiration on the running track; participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot for the distance that sold out last year.
ASICS 10km Run
For the goal achiever with the mindset of one day completing the full Melbourne Marathon. 2018 saw 9,500 runners take on this achievable distance and treasure their picture-perfect MCG finish.
5km Run
This is one for the adventurer who is keen to share their love of Melbourne and their fitness journey with friends. The perfect challenge to kickstart an active routine to get you off the couch in the colder months and stay social in the lead up to the running event of the year.
3km Walk
Stroll, strut, sashay or saunter, the 3km Walk is made for those wanting to set their own pace. Focused on future goals with a mate (new or old) by their side, it is the perfect event to get the whole family Marathon-ready.
Festival Director, Marcus Gale said, “The Melbourne Marathon Festival is an event that consistently unites our city, and in 2018 the event set a new record for the 41 year-long festival history, with 34,734 participants across the five distances – the highest figure yet; including a sell-out event for the SriLankan Airlines Half Marathon and the ASICS 10km Run. Last year’s Melbourne Marathon participants raised in excess of $1,300,000 for a huge number of worthy causes across the country and this year we hope to raise even more for Australia’s incredible charities.”
Participants are encouraged to raise money for the official charity partner, Cerebral Palsy Education Centre and associate charities: JMB Foundation, Australian Red Cross, Heart Foundation and the Cathy Freeman Foundation.
Early bird entry closes at 11.59pm on 2 July. Register and secure your spot in the Melbourne Marathon today and start training!
All registrants will automatically receive a $50 voucher to spend on a new pair of kicks in Active Feet stores across Melbourne.
