The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is poised for another record-breaking year as it returns to Australia’s sporting capital on Sunday 13th October. In the midst of the global running boom, the iconic event has achieved a remarkable milestone with all running events sold out and a waitlist as large as the number of event entries. More than 40,000 runners of all ages, abilities and experience levels will descend on Melbourne, plus an all-new Mini Marathon for the little ones and an expanded Race Village it is set to be an unmissable weekend.
“We are delighted with the incredible demand to participate in this year’s Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival,” said Marcus Gale, Event Director. “All major events selling out in record time is a testament to the passion and commitment of the running community and support for our world class event. Fields have been increased and we continue to look for ways to meet demand! This year's event will see the full closure of Fitzroy Street as well as the conclusion Metro Tunnel works providing smooth access across St Kilda Road and the reopening of Domain Road which will allow for a vastly Improved runner experience. Whether as a participant or a spectator, we invite everyone to join us in marking another record-breaking weekend filled with energy, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.”
Debuting in 1978 with a course from Frankston to Melbourne Town Hall, the historic event continues to captivate participants and spectators alike with its vibrant atmosphere, world-class organisation, and stunning cityscape backdrop. Plus, its modern-day finish line in the hallowed grounds of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The sold-out status of all running events – Nike Melbourne Marathon, Nike Half Marathon, SriLankan Airlines 10km Run, and Big M 5km Run – with waitlists of twice the size of the official entry list, highlights the festival's growing popularity and the city’s enthusiastic embrace of this iconic sporting occasion continues.
As one of the largest running events on the national sporting calendar, the Festival is made possible by major partner Nike, which brings half a century of expertise in serving runners of all abilities and intensities. Nike looks forward to supporting athletes* participating in this year’s event through the Nike Run Club space at the Event Precinct pre- and post-race with retail, music and member rewards experiences, as well as providing free training resources via its Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club apps.
“Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is always such a special moment for the city of Melbourne, and for those runners who travel from across Australia and the globe to take part. I continue to be inspired by all the runners and their own personal running journeys, whether it’s their first race or they’re aiming for a PB. I can’t wait to feel the energy created when the running community comes together,” said Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade.
In a festival first, the Mini Marathon will welcome kids under 12 to take part in their very own event on Saturday 12th October. Journeying through a 1km course in Yarra Park, little ones will receive their very own race bibs and post-race medals, plus cowbells to cheer on their loved ones the following day.
This year’s festival also marks a significant achievement in fundraising, with efforts expected to thoroughly exceed last year’s record $1.1 million, and reach new heights for a range of charities and causes close to their hearts, including the festival’s premier charities Running for Premature Babies and Beyond Blue.
Off the course, the festival will also offer an unmissable experience for runners and spectators alike across the weekend with an expanded Race Village and Runners Expo providing a central hub of entertainment, featuring live panel talks from running greats plus music, food stalls, retail pop ups and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy.
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 SriLankan Airlines, BMW, Gatorade, Bupa, Garmin, Chemist Warehouse, Chobani Fit and Big M.
For more information about the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, please visit melbournemarathon.com.au and follow @melbmara.
* if you have a body, you are an athlete.
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EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Sunday 13th October 2024, from 7am
- Start line: Batman Avenue (150m north of Rod Laver Arena)
- Finish line: Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG (entry via Gate 2 + 3)
- Major Events (sold out):
- Nike Marathon (42.195km),
- Nike Wheelchair Marathon (42.195km),
- Nike Half Marathon (21.1km),
- SriLankan Airlines 10km Run,
- Big M 5km Run
- Open Entries: Chobani Fit 2.5km Walk
- Mini Marathon:
- Saturday 12th October, from 10am
- Yarra Park (outside the MCG)
- Children aged 12 and under
- Festival Village: Open to spectators, featuring entertainment, food, and activities from Saturday 12th October
MELBOURNE MARATHON FESTIVAL
The Melbourne Marathon Festival is Australia’s largest Marathon event with a course that incorporates some of the city’s most loved landmarks and finishes at the iconic MCG. The Melbourne Marathon Festival holds a special place in the hearts of generations of runners. In the past 46 years, hundreds of thousands of participants have raised tens of millions of dollars for charity, achieved countless personal goals and come together in an active celebration of the City of Melbourne.
IMG
IMG is a global sports and culture company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.
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