Melbourne Marathon Sign Up Information

Like our passionate running community, we are hopeful that the 2020 Melbourne Marathon Festival will take place this October. Preparations are proceeding as planned, taking into account the health and safety of our participants, spectators, volunteers, partners and team members, as our top priority. 

We will continue to work closely with local, state, federal authorities and health officials as we monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in order to deliver you a safe and rewarding event.

It is our intention to keep our community in the loop as much as possible. If we receive any updates we will be sure to let you know via email, our website and social channels, but for now we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for Australia’s Largest Marathon.

If you have any additional queries please contact our helpful Customer Service Team or feel free to review our FAQ’s including our refund and cancellation policies.

RUNNING MOTIVATION SEEMING TO SLIP AWAY?

There''s undoubtedly a shadow cast over everything we do (and can''t do) right now, amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Running is supposed to be a cure-all, but these unprecedented, trying times are making it hard for many to muster the strength to lace up and head out the door.

You''re not alone in feeling frustrated or puzzled. It''s understandable and completely normal to have your motivation wane as the pandemic wears on. Here''s what you can do about it.

1.      KEEP UP A ROUTINE

Most runners are creatures of habit and when these habits are broken it can be a shock to the system. For many, the uncertainty, stress and complete disruption of order is making it nearly impossible to log their k''s. It''s important to set small daily goals to push past the barriers for not getting out the door. If you are used to running with people for accountability purposes? Perhaps try texting your group before you run to keep you in check and continue the camaraderie.

2.      GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

We can often spiral into a guilt cycle: feel guilty about not being motivated, skip a run, feel guilty about skipping a run. Remember, it''s all about balance. In the short term, take some time to relax or try something new. There seems to be a lot of pressure on us right now and it''s ok to take a break every once in a while.

3.      START SMALL

The best way to get back into an exercise routine is slowly. Don''t get overwhelmed, break it down into manageable tasks. You don''t have to get out every day or match your pre-coronavirus k''s. Instead, commit to one or two runs per week at whatever distance you feel like in the moment. 

Try putting together a daily schedule to help bring structure back into the picture. Creating time and space for our tasks is important. Getting out the door is the hardest part, but once you get going, the run takes care of itself.

WHY DO YOU #RUNTOFEEL 

ASICS spoke to runners around the world to learn more about the running life under lockdown. They found that 81% of runners do so to clear their mind—and they saw a 62% spike in people heading out for a weekly run. More than ever, we’re running to connect our body and mind.

Even though we''re apart, our global community of runners is strong. ASICS are here to help you get out there, with new ways to train, race, challenge yourself and connect with their community.

COLD WEATHER RUNNING

Winter has well and truly settled in, and with that comes the wet and windy runs. So, to help you battle the winter blues and keep your running goals on track the team from Active Feet spoke to podiatrist David Hudson to get his best tips and tricks to keep you moving no matter how low the temperature goes!

While we keep our distance to stop the spread of COVID-19, staying active is critical for both our physical and mental health. An external challenge can be a great motivator to get you out there, running with purpose and keeping structure to your training.

We’re inviting you to join the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, at your own pace, on your own terms. Over the weekend of the 21st to 23rd of August, runners from across the globe will be able to conquer one of the most spectacular runs virtually!

Running virtually means it''s #YourRunYourWay, you’re in control of how you start and finish your race. Keep it local and set a specific goal for yourself – more than just completing the actual race.

We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity, but please remember to check with your local and state restrictions. To do so, please visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.

LOOKING TO 2021

Registrations are NOW OPEN for the Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2021, returning May 15 –16. Register for the 2021 event before 20 August 2020 to receive a complimentary entry to this year’s Great Ocean Road VIRTUAL Running Festival.

INTRODUCING ASICS GEL-KAYANO 27

With added support and cushioning, the GEL-KAYANO™ 27 shoe is made for the runner who wants a little extra

FUEL: STRAWBERRY & COCONUT PROTEIN MUFFINS

Science in Sport Ambassador Christie Johnson, also known as “The FitNut Kitchen” has come up with some great tasting recipes fulled by science.

THE TEAM FROM ACTIVEFEET ARE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR TOP LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE QUESTIONS

AUSTRALIA''S LARGEST MARATHON GOES VIRTUAL

5 - 13 DECEMBER 2020

The Melbourne Marathon Festival holds a special place in the hearts of generations of runners, and although we can’t physically bring everyone together this year, we will be staging a Virtual Melbourne Marathon on December 5 - 13 to help our running community maintain their goals, stay inspired and keep fit.

CHALLENGE. COMMIT. CONNECT.

LAST CHANCE TO FINISH YOUR YEAR ON A HIGH

You might have spotted the markings or seen the celebrations of our Virtual Runners as they complete their distance and keep the spirit of the Melbourne Marathon alive. 

It''s not too late to join the movement. Registrations for the 2020 Virtual Melbourne Marathon close on Friday 11 Dec at 11:59pm AEDT. Sign up to take back 2020 and finish your year on a high, with a shiny medal around your neck.

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON 2021

Why not aim for 21km in ''21

Registrations for the 2021 Melbourne Marathon Festival are now open. Sign up today to secure your preferred distance.

A CONVERSATION STARTER THAT DOESN''T INVOLVE "HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP?"

VIRTUAL MELBOURNE MARATHON | 5 - 13 DECEMBER 2020

THE VIRTUAL MELBOURNE MARATHON TEAM PACKAGE

Looking for a fun and engaging way to help build and maintain your connections? The team option is perfect for workplaces, sports clubs, mothers groups, or an active alternative to virtual trivia.

Committing to the Virtual Melbourne Marathon as a team will help create and maintain strong social bonds among your group, helping keep them from feeling isolated, alone, and stressed out.

It provides a chance to reconnect with coworkers and friends with a similar interest, sharing tips and progress, while building a positive team culture.

So why not get your team together and encourage a little friendly competition?

SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A RACE DAY, ENJOY THE JOURNEY TOGETHER

CHALLENGE. COMMIT. CONNECT.

It''s time to get serious.

The official Virtual Melbourne Marathon app is available to download

DOWNLOAD THE APP TO BEGIN YOUR VIRTUAL MELBOURNE MARATHON JOURNEY

Remember to share your progress on socials and tag us in @melbmara #melbmara

Have you checked out our #WellnessWednesday Live Facebook sessions with the awesome team from CorePlus Connected?

Tune in each Wednesday at 7:30am for step by step classes, each intentionally created to support your training in the lead up to the Virtual Melbourne Marathon.

Having ticked off a Warm Up and Recovery for Runners, next week we''ll be going Live with ''Pilates for Runners''. A strong, 30-minute mat Pilates sequence to strengthen the core, frontline and backline of the body. This class will focus on extension and flexion, strengthening the muscles that support and carry you whilst you run. ​

See you there!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE VALUE OF A RUNNING BUDDY

2020 MEDALS HAVE ARRIVED

Raise your hand if you can’t wait to get your hands on our 2020 #melbmara medal 🙌🏽

Register for the 2020 Virtual Melbourne Marathon now to get the full #melbmara experience. Log your runs in Training Mode and see how you stack up on live leaderboards before the big dance. Dec 5 is when you’ll unlock Race Mode 🔓 You’ll be able to log your chosen distance, and bask in that Finish Feeling with augmented reality filters and your very own 2020 medal posted to you.

NEED SOME INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PERFECT MELBOURNE RUNNING LOOP?

Check out this awesome 360 degree view of some of our favourite City of Melbourne sites, thanks to our friends at Banalarama Studio.

Following record-breaking numbers in 2019 and four sold out events, the Melbourne Marathon Festival returns to the revered Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Sunday, 4 October 2020. Click the button below for the latest updates on the 2020 event.

5 REASONS TO RUN

Almost every part of our daily routine has been impacted by the current COVID-19 situation. As the government tightens it''s lockdown measures, we all seem to share the same understanding that running, and other forms of moderate intensity exercise are crucial for both our mental and physical wellbeing.

Running can significantly improve physical and mental health. As a form of aerobic exercise, it can reduce stress, improve heart health, and even help alleviate symptoms of depression.

As a form of cardio exercise that''s easily accessible, running is one of the most straightforward ways to get the important benefits of exercise. Here are 5 of the physical and mental benefits of running.

5.   Running changes the brain in ways that make it more resistant to stress by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

RUNNING AROUND THE GLOBE

Check out this incredible Running Art shared from runners all over the world

Think you can do better? Tag us in your next masterpiece @melbmara

DEVELOPING YOUR TECHNIQUE

Getting used to running, if you haven’t done it in a while or ever, can be brutal.

But once your body and mind start to acclimate, running can be blissful, meditative, and provide a sense of freedom. 

The team from Science In Sport have put together some tips on how best to develop your running technique to reduce risk.

MINDFUL BREATHING WITH GARMIN

Whether you want to increase awareness, reduce stress, improve mental sharpness, boost work performance or prepare for sleep, breathwork — or mindful breathing — can help.

Garmin have broken down 3 breathing techniques - tranquility, coherence, and relax & focus - of mindful breathing to help you take care of yourself and provide some relaxation time.

Our team is working hard to put together this year''s Melbourne Marathon Festival but we need your help.

We are committed to our community of passionate runners and your feedback will help shape how our events are delivered in the future.

Please take the time to complete our survey and have your say.

With your help, as well as the advice of key authorities and health officials, we look forward to welcoming everyone back for Australia’s Largest Marathon.