Now spring has arrived, the countdown is on to the inaugural Geelong Running Festival.
There's less than two weeks to go until the city's first marathon takes to the streets of Geelong, passing through iconic landmarks including Kardinia Park and the waterfront.
Registrations to join this historic event are still open.
One of the highlights of the course will be the "music mile" on Portarlington Road, with staggered entertainment keeping the vibes high as runners head towards Point Henry.
The new festival is proudly supported through the City of Greater Geelong's Major Events funding.
The three-day program, from 18-20 September, puts competitive and recreational runners on the elite stage.
Friday 18 September
- Brooks Running expo
Saturday 19 September
- Brooks Running expo
- GYG Kids 800m
- GYG Kids 1 mile
- GYG All abilities 1 mile
Sunday 20 September
- Henley Homes Community 6.5km
- RedZed Half Marathon
- RedZed Wheelchair Half Marathon
- Zeekr Marathon
The courses have been expertly designed by local distance-running legend and three-time Olympian Lee Troop.
All races on Sunday 20 September include the exclusive opportunity to run on the grass at GMHBA Stadium.
The marquee event kicks off running season in the region, with local park and charity runs filling the calendar throughout the warmer months and more people getting out and about on the City's many trails.
Registrations, scheduling, course maps and road closures are on the Geelong Running Festival website .
Lee Troop, Geelong Running Festival
To see Geelong host its very first marathon is a really special moment for the city and for everyone who loves running here.
I've run marathons all over the world, but there's something incredibly exciting about seeing one come to life in my own backyard.
We've designed a course that celebrates Geelong, taking runners past some of our most iconic landmarks and giving them a real sense of the city along the way.
I can't wait to see that first field of marathoners line up and make history.
Cr Eddy Kontelj, Deputy Mayor and Sports & Recreation chair
The Geelong Running Festival is a fantastic new addition to our major events calendar and a great way to welcome spring and get people moving.
It will bring elite and recreational runners together with the broader community, showcasing Geelong as a great place to live, visit and get active.
Marathon runners are passionate travellers who are always looking for new destinations, new challenges and new events to add to their running calendars. I am confident Geelong will attract participants from across Australia and around the world who are seeking a fresh and exciting marathon experience, while adding another hard-earned medal to their collection.
The festival is also a wonderful opportunity to introduce visitors to everything our region has to offer, from our stunning waterfront and beautiful landscapes to our hospitality, accommodation and local businesses.
We're proud to support an event that will not only put Geelong on the running map but help build on our strong and growing running culture right across the region, while delivering valuable economic and tourism benefits for our community.
