2019 Melbourne Marathon Festival

Following record-breaking numbers in 2018, the Melbourne Marathon Festival returns to the revered Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). 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; SriLankan Airlines 21.1km Half Marathon; ASICS 10km Run; Westin 5km Run; 3km Walk

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.