The inaugural Ballarat Marathon, set to transform the city on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April , is exceeding its registration expectations with four weeks to go.
Supported by the Victorian Government's Regional Events Fund, the event has more than 3,000 eager runners already signed up, smashing its initial participation goal.
Event co-creator and Ballarat local, Adam McNicol, said: “As one of the state’s largest regional cities, we have a rich sporting and cultural history and an even richer community of passionate runners. The funding from the Victorian Government, alongside the support of the City and our official event partners, will ensure we deliver the world-class running event we set out for.
“When we first conceived the idea of bringing a premium running festival to Ballarat, we knew we had a captive audience, but the outpouring of interest and support, from grassroots community groups all the way up to the state government, has been remarkable. As a result, we have hit our initial registration goal with four weeks, and hopefully a lot more sign ups, to go. We can’t wait to show everyone what our beautiful city has to offer.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said: "Runners are ready to take their marks and Ballarat is ready to welcome visitors from far and wide for the inaugural Ballarat Marathon, supported by the Allan Labor Government. The weekend will showcase the beauty of Ballarat to participants and their families while supporting local businesses and jobs across the region."
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be getting so close to the Ballarat Marathon event and I can’t wait to see thousands of people tying up their laces and hitting the track. We know Ballarat is a city that has such a strong connection to running and it’s great to see so many registrations already flowing through. Even if you aren’t running, I encourage everybody to check out the spectacle and support the many local businesses who have got on board to support the event.”
The city’s inaugural running festival will welcome participants of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Boasting five-events from one mile to the full 42km marathon, each course has been carefully curated by Australian running icon, Steve Moneghetti and long-time road running course designer, Dave Cundy. All distances will begin and end at the Ballarat Town Hall, with each punter receiving an official medal to recognise their efforts at the finish line.
Support from the City of Ballarat and presenting partner, Federation University Australia, has been instrumental in the event’s conception. Set to become a staple in the Australian sporting calendar, the festival also aligns with the local council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan, aiming to help increase physical activity in the region.
A further commitment to supporting the local community, organisers are proud to partner with the Ballarat Health Services Foundation as the event’s official charity. Participants who raise $500 or more for the Foundation via the Grassrootz platform will have their entry fee refunded.
Alongside the running program, visitors are encouraged to experience the best of Ballarat’s vibrant community with many local businesses extending trading hours and presenting special visitor offers across the event weekend.
The Ballarat Marathon will be held Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April in Ballarat.
Registrations are now open via ballaratmarathon.com.au
Key Facts:
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 27th April 2024
Start time: from 2.30pm
Start and finish line: Ballarat Town Hall
Distances: Power FM Mile (1.6km) + Brooks 5km
Sunday 28th April 2024
Start time: from 8am
Start and finish line: Ballarat Town Hall
Distances: 10km, Federation University Marathon (42km) + City of Ballarat Half Marathon (21km)
Contact details:
For all interview and media enquiries, please contact Tide Communications:
Laura Power
0467 967 416
