Geelong to host its first marathon event

GEELONG’S first official 42.2km marathon will be a highlight of the Geelong Running Festival, which was launched today (Friday, September 19).

The event, supported by the City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Major Events will showcase Geelong as a world-class running destination, with a course strategically designed by Geelong’s own Lee Troop, a former Olympian and the festival’s founder.

The marathon, half marathon and community 8km will all start and finish along the Geelong Waterfront, creating an unforgettable race-day atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike.

“I can’t believe we have finally reached the point of opening registrations this Sunday,” Troop said.

“It has been a roller coaster of emotions over the past seven years, with numerous course designs that had major input from key agencies and stakeholders to make sure that impacts on our community were kept to a minimum.

“The Geelong Running Festival is a promotion of health, fitness and participation, while celebrating Geelong’s rich history and iconic landmarks. I feel I have put together a course that reflects the very best of Geelong, from the T&G Building, around to Point Henry, and including the waterfront, CBD and Kardinia Park.”

Having travelled all over the world as a professional marathon runner for 20 years, Troop said he had always been convinced Geelong had the potential to host a major marathon event.

“In 1987, as a 14 year old, I ran the City By The Bay Fun Run, that started and finished in Moorabool Street. I have never forgotten that feeling of running down Moorabool Street and seeing the views of Corio Bay in the background, and feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and passion for Geelong.

“I am unbelievably proud of the work completed to get to this point, and I can’t wait to welcome local, national and international runners to not only run in Geelong, but to explore our beautiful region.”

From the T&G Building in the heart of the CBD, through the tranquil Geelong Botanic Gardens, and out to Point Henry, the course is designed to highlight the city’s unique mix of history, culture, and coastline.

As part of the festival’s collaboration with the Kardinia Park Trust, All runners who register will experience the thrill of entering GMHBA Stadium, home of the Geelong Cats, and running around the Reg Hickey Stand wing in front of family, friends and supporters.

This unique live-site feature will transform the stadium into a hub of celebration, giving spectators the chance to cheer on runners from the stands and creating a stadium moment unlike any other in the world.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the city was proud to support the inaugural edition of the Geelong Running Festival.

“With the course now confirmed and registrations open, we’re excited to welcome runners from across the country – and potentially the world – to experience Geelong’s stunning waterfront, vibrant city centre and iconic landmarks.

“This event will showcase our best attractions and celebrate the people and places that define our city.”

The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the region, providing a significant boost to Geelong’s tourism and hospitality industries, while cementing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

“The Geelong Running Festival is another fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of Geelong,” Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles said.

“We are very fortunate to have Geelong local and former Olympian Lee Troop facilitate this event.

“For all of us runners – and even those that aren’t – this will be a great event and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to try something new and push their boundaries, while taking in Geelong’s iconic waterfront and landmarks.”

Registrations will officially open at 7am on Sunday, September 21, to coincide with 12 months to the moment that the race will start in 2026.

To register, head to geelongrunningfestival.com.au