Stadium lap set for inaugural Geelong Running Festival

THE inaugural Geelong Running Festival will include a standout course feature when it debuts next year, with runners set to pass through Kardinia Park and loop part of the stadium oval.

Participants across all three events will run into the stadium and around the oval, with spectators watching from the stands.

Event organiser Lee Troop said the aim was to give every runner, regardless of distance, the same iconic experience.

“We’re excited that the race for all events — the 8km, half marathon and marathon — allows everyone to come in and run basically half the stadium and to come in through the race on one side and then head out through the other side,” he said.

Across the three race categories, runners will pass through several of Geelong’s best-known locations, including Eastern Park, Point Henry and Cunningham Pier.

Kardinia Park was not part of the original course concept, but organisers were later approached about incorporating the stadium into the event.

While the change required a redesign of the course, Troop said organisers were thrilled to work with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.

“The great thing is that it hasn’t even been hard work; they want it and we’re excited to have it and it’s been this really great symmetry,” he said.

“Now we’re looking at what activations we do here in the stadium and it’d be great to be able to get the Geelong cheer squad here.”

Spectators will be able to enter the stadium to cheer runners as they pass through the oval.

“This is a great opportunity for them [supporters] to see all their loved ones actually run through the stadium,” Troop said.

The Geelong Running Festival will take place on September 20, 2026.

For more information and to register, visit geelongrunningfestival.com.au

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