Geelong’s first major marathon event has been launched, with the inaugural event confirmed for Sunday September 20, 2026.
Organisers and dignitaries gathered for the launch of the Geelong Running Festival on the Waterfront on Friday, September 19 to announce the full marathon route, the various events and the opening of registrations over the weekend.
The festival will include a full 42.2km marathon, half marathon, wheelchair half marathon, community 8km event, kids race and an all-abilities race.
The full marathon event route, which will start and finish on the waterfront, features some of the most iconic sights in Geelong, including a large stretch of Moorabool Street, the Geelong Botanic Gardens, Point Henry and even a section inside GHMBA Stadium.
The course was designed by former Olympian Lee Troop, who is also the event’s founder.
Mr Troop said it had been a “roller coaster of emotions over the last seven years” of advocacy and planning and that he felt “unbelievably proud of the work completed” to bring the marathon to fruition.
“I can’t wait to welcome local, national and international runners to not only run in Geelong, but to explore our beautiful region,” he said.
“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 Osborne House in North Geelong, around to Point Henry, and including the waterfront, CBD and Kardinia Park.
“We could have 20,000 spectators lined up from where our new Convention Centre is going to be, all the way through here to the finish line. I think that’s going to be extremely exciting and help a lot of athletes, will them home, with the excitement that our spectators will be exuding.”
Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj said he was bringing a marathon to Geelong had been “something I’ve been passionate about and actively pursuing for many years” and it was “incredibly rewarding to see it come to life”.
“I’m sure retailers, tourism providers, and hospitality venues will eagerly anticipate this exciting new event in Geelong,” Cr Kontelj said.
Visit geelongrunningfestival.com.au to register or for more information.
