Get in the Marathon Spirit with C&G!

Local Community

Sunday 16 October welcomes the Melbourne Marathon Festival. Keen runners will complete courses across the city, ranging from 3km to the full 42km marathon extravaganza. Today, C&G are filling you in on all the need-to-know info for the day, as well as how you can find the motivation to get your runners on and hit the Bayside streets!

For many of us, the word marathon brings on a slight panic and an elevated heart rate. If the only marathon you can complete is a Netflix one - complete with a tub of ice cream - you’re probably not alone. But for some, spring is running season, and time to get pounding those pavements. Whether you’re taking part in the marathon itself, or one of the secondary events over the weekend, C&G have all the info you need to know.

Runners

The Melbourne Marathon kicks off with the full marathon at 7am, with wheelchair competitors following shortly after at 7.55am. 10km runners will be starting off at 7.30am, the half marathon siren will sound at 8am, with the 5km and 3km events taking place at 11am and 11.15am respectively. All runs will begin from Batman Avenue, around 150m north of the Rod Laver Arena, and each conclude with a lap of the hallowed turf of the MCG – so every runner will enjoy the glory moment at Melbourne’s most iconic sporting venue. It’s not too late to sign up, so if you fancy a challenge, now’s the time to put your money where your mouth is! 

Active Feet Runners Expo

From October 13 to 16, the external concourse of the MCG hosts the Runners Expo. Head down either on the day of the event or in the lead up for some motivation, and enjoy stands and activities from the fitness exhibitors.

Spectators

If a loved one is competing, or you’re simply up for a day cheering on the challengers, the marathon route runs across the city, the Yarra and along the picturesque Port Phillip Bay. The shorter distances include the Royal Botanical Gardens, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of runners in every event, while basking in the spring sunshine (hopefully!). All course maps can be found here.

Not taking part?

No problem. If the event is all too daunting, but you’re inspired for next year, there’s no better place to get your running feet moving than Bayside. Melbourne’s Solar System Trail begins at the Marina Reserve Lighthouse at Elwood and continues along to Sandridge Beach in Port Melbourne. It’s an achievable 5.9km route, and the views will have you under the illusion that time’s flown by! For more of a challenge, the Mentone to Beaumaris track invites runners to take on the range of hill climbs and stairs. The cliff-top views make it all worthwhile – as well as the good sweat and endorphin rush! If you’re brave, take a dip in the ocean to cool off.

Chisholm & Gamon wish all runners the best of luck for their course, and we’d love to see your training snaps on Twitter and Facebook!