National brands back Geelong’s new running festival

THREE national companies have thrown their support behind Geelong’s inaugural running festival, signing on as naming rights partners for the event’s marquee races ahead of its September debut.

Electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr, specialist lender RedZed and home builder Henley Homes will each headline one of the festival’s feature events, in a significant endorsement of the Geelong Running Festival before the starting gun has even fired.

Zeekr will sponsor the festival’s full marathon, RedZed the half marathon and Henley Homes the 6.5km community run.

Race director Lee Troop said attracting three nationally recognised brands demonstrated growing confidence in the festival’s vision.

“To have three respected brands aligned with our marquee events is a tremendous endorsement of our vision to create one of Australia’s premier running festivals,” he said.

“Their commitment to supporting health, community and major events has helped us elevate the festival to a new level and will play a key role in delivering an outstanding experience for thousands of participants.”

The Geelong Running Festival will make its debut across 19 and 20 September, featuring a marathon, half marathon, wheelchair half marathon, community run, children’s race and an all-abilities one-mile event.

Organisers expect the event to attract thousands of participants, with courses taking runners past some of Geelong’s best-known landmarks including Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach, the waterfront, the Esplanade and Kardinia Park.

Zeekr Australia managing director Frank Li said the partnership aligned with the company’s focus on performance and innovation.

“As Zeekr expands its footprint in Australia, we’re focused on partnering with events and organisations that reflect our values,” he said.

“The Geelong Running Festival is a perfect fit, and we’re proud to be the naming rights partner of Geelong’s inaugural marathon.”

RedZed chief sales and marketing officer Natalie Irvine said the half marathon reflected the determination shown by the company’s customers.

“Backing people who back themselves is what RedZed is all about,” she said.

“Half marathon runners live that every day by committing, training and turning up ready to deliver.”

Henley Homes general manager of marketing Tindi Sorbera said supporting the community run was an opportunity to be part of a milestone event for Geelong.

“We can’t wait to run alongside the Geelong community in Geelong’s first marathon, such a significant moment for the city,” Sorbera said.

“We’re proud to be right there on the ground, not just as a sponsor, but as active participants in a community we’ve helped shape.”

Registrations for all events are now open. Head to geelongrunningfestival.com.au