This weekend, the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival shattered records as 42,000 participants hit the streets for its electrifying 46th edition. With every running event selling out in record time and new course expansions, the excitement was at an all-time high. From the much-anticipated debut of the Mini Marathon on Saturday to two first-time Nike Melbourne Marathon runners taking out the top prize today, this year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary—cementing it as Australia’s largest running festival.
Today, Melbourne’s very own Jack Rayner won the men’s Nike Melbourne Marathon with a time of 02:11:49, receiving this year’s increased first place prize of $25,000 and the Steve Moneghetti Award as the first Australian male across the finish line. Jack is no stranger to the finish line, having won the men’s Nike Half Marathon the past three consecutive years. It was his first time running the Nike Melbourne Marathon. Second place was secured by Ryan Gregson from Queensland running 2:13:31, followed by New Zealand’s Christopher Dryden in third place with a time of 2:18:10.
Winner of the women’s Nike Melbourne Marathon was Queenslander Genevieve (Gen) Gregson. Gen completed the 42.195km course in time of 2:28:13, also receiving this year’s increased $25,000 cash prize and the Kerryn McCann Award as the first Australian female finisher. Gen was joined by her husband, Ryan, and their two-year-old son, Archer, at the finish line. This was also Gen’s first Nike Melbourne Marathon, having won the Nike Half Marathon alongside Jack last year. Two Melbournians rounded out the podium with Sarah Klein in second place, finishing in 2:31:05, and Kate Mason in third place with a time of 2:34:08.
Fresh from the Paris Olympics, the first athlete to cross the Nike Half Marathon finish line was Andy Buchanan, who secured the win with a time of 1:01:42. It was the Bendigonian’s first win over the Melbourne course and a new personal best time. Making his half marathon debut, Haftu Strintzos placed second with a time of 1:02:24. Queensland’s Liam Boudin secured third place with a personal best time of 1:02:32. Canberran Leanne Pompeani, the current Australian Cross Country Champion, was the first female to complete the 21.1km distance with a time of 01:09:01. In an exciting finish, only eight seconds separated first to third in the women’s field, with Olympians Jessica Stenson and Izzi Batt-Doyle, both from Adelaide, settling for second and third in 1:09:04 and 1:09:09 respectively. All three ran new personal best times over the fast Melbourne course.
The SriLankan Airlines 10km Run was taken out by another Melburnian, Dale Carroll, with a time of 29:20. Sydney’s Bronte Oates was the fastest woman to complete the course in a time of 33:00. The winner of the Nike Wheelchair Marathon was Ian Gainey from Melbourne. The perfect way for the ‘Spartan Legend’ to ring in his 32nd Melbourne Marathon.
On Saturday, thousands of kids aged 12 and under took part in the inaugural Mini Marathon. As part of the festival’s Race Weekend expansion, little ones journeyed through a new 1km course across Yarra Park, donning their very own race bibs. As they crossed the finish line, they were awarded official festival medals and cowbells to cheer on their loved ones today.
History continued to be made off the track with participants smashing last year’s record by raising more than $1.8 million for over 100 deserving charities and causes. These include the Festival’s premier charity partners Running for Premature Babies and BeyondBlue,Festival Director, Marcus Gale, said: “We are thrilled to have delivered the most successful Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival to date. This year, we truly reached new heights with sell-out events, an extended program and MCG footprint, plus a new fundraising record. These incredible achievements are a testament to the vibrant spirit of the Australian running community and the dedication of every participant, volunteer, and supporter. Congratulations to all those involved.”
Vice President and General Manager, Nike Pacific, Ashley Reade added: “Nike loves partnering with this incredible event which continues to highlight the Australian and International running community at its best. It was inspiring to feel the energy and passion on the course today and witness the incredible cheer squads of support lining the roads and parks.
On behalf of Nike, I’d like to congratulate all the winners and all the athletes who took part over the weekend. Can’t wait to see you on the start line again next year!”
The day was particularly momentous for ‘Spartan Legends’ John Dobson, Wayne Thompson and David Foskey who completed their 46th consecutive Melbourne Marathon. Since 1978, the trio has never missed a Festival, even planning family weddings around the annual spring event to keep their streak. Today, hundreds of other participants followed in their footsteps by running their tenth Melbourne Marathon and achieving Spartan status – granting them guaranteed access to the highly sought after Melbourne Marathon registrations for years to come.
After the finish line, participants rejoiced and refuelled at the Race Village, presented by Chemist Warehouse, and newly located Runners Expo. Complete with delicious burgers from Grill’d, free Big M’s and a 360-degree Chobani yoghurt bar, plus, live music from some of Melbourne’s best buskers. Retail and member rewards were aplenty at the Nike Run Club hub, plus a live broadcast on the big screen capturing all the action.
As one of the largest events on the national sporting calendar, the Melbourne Marathon Festival is supported by title partner Nike, amongst a number of other sponsors including Coinbase, SriLankan Airlines, BMW, Gatorade, Bupa, Garmin, Forty Winks, Chemist Warehouse, Chobani Fit and Big M.
The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival will return to the streets of Melbourne and the MCG on Sunday 12th October 2025. Sign ups for priority access are now open at melbournemarathon.com.au.
