Victoria is poised to embrace a thrilling new addition to its sporting calendar, as the inaugural Ballarat Marathon takes center stage in one of the state’s largest regional cities on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April. This two-day running extravaganza, designed to honor the city’s rich sporting and cultural heritage, invites runners of all ages and experience levels to participate in five exciting events.
The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon with participants taking on the one-mile and 5km distances, traversing through Ballarat’s historic CBD. The action continues on Sunday morning with the 10km run, half marathon, and full marathon, treating runners to scenic views of Victoria Park, the Arch of Victory, and Lake Wendouree. All events will commence and conclude at the iconic Ballarat Town Hall.
To ensure a premium running experience, each course has been co-designed by Ballarat local and champion long-distance runner, Steve Moneghetti, alongside the expertise of Dave Cundy, a seasoned road running course designer responsible for the design of the Sydney Olympics marathon.
Expressing his excitement, Moneghetti, the race director, remarked, “As a proud local, being part of the very first Ballarat Marathon is an incredible honor. Ballarat has such a rich heritage of distance running, and I am delighted to see a world-class sporting event find a home in our city. I can’t wait to see the streets flooded with participants, supporters, and visitors, soaking up all our beautiful city has to offer.”
The brainchild behind this momentous event is local visionary Adam McNicol, whose newfound passion for running during the pandemic ignited the idea to create an iconic festival in his beloved hometown. McNicol expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled for Ballarat to host its first-ever marathon this autumn. With its cool weather, picturesque streets, and warm-hearted residents, our city is the perfect setting for a premium running event. I look forward to welcoming participants and festival-goers from the local community and across the country, cementing Ballarat as a regional leader in hosting sporting events.”
Crucial support from the City of Ballarat and presenting partner, Federation University Australia, has been instrumental in bringing this event to life. Aligned with the local council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan, which aims to increase physical activity in the region, the festival is set to become a staple in the Australian sporting calendar.
In a demonstration of community support, organizers have proudly partnered with the Ballarat Health Services Foundation as the event’s official charity. Participants who raise $500 or more for the Foundation via the Grassrootz platform will have their entry fee refunded.
Beyond the running program, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the best of Ballarat’s vibrant cafes, exquisite restaurants, cozy accommodation, and picturesque trails across the weekend.
Registrations for the Ballarat Marathon are now open and can be accessed via Ballarat Marathon website.