Thousands of Australians are set to hit the pavement when the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival returns on Sunday 15th October.
To celebrate its 45th anniversary, Australia’s largest marathon festival has announced the inaugural Steve Moneghetti Award, presented to the first Australian male to cross the Nike Melbourne Marathon finish line. The new accolade follows the iconic Kerryn McCann Award for the first Australian female which was introduced in 2009.
“Established in 1978, the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events that’s seen generations of runners achieve incredible personal and professional feats. This year, we are tremendously proud to introduce the Steve Moneghetti Award, named after one of the nation’s most treasured Olympic champions. Steve is a true sporting hero, putting Australian runners on the map, and his continued commitment to building the running community at every level is nothing short of admirable. We look forward to recognising the winner of this year’s Marathon and a new legend with this award, and thousands more, at the MCG this October,” said Event Director, Marcus Gale.
“As one of my favourite running events on the Australian sporting calendar, I’ve taken part in countless Nike Melbourne Marathon Festivals. To be honoured in this way, and on such a historic anniversary, is an immense privilege. I’m looking forward to celebrating another successful year with Australia’s running community this spring,” said Steve Moneghetti AM.
With five distances from 3km to the full marathon, racegoers will start at Batman Avenue before making their way through their respective course, passing iconic Melbourne landmarks like Flinders Street Station and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and finishing amongst the roaring crowds of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – a moment like no other. This year’s events include: the Nike Melbourne Marathon (42.195km), Nike Wheelchair Marathon (42.195km), Nike Half Marathon (21.1km), SriLankan Airlines 10km Run, 180 Nutrition Good Sport 5km Run and the 3km Walk welcoming athletes of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
As one of the largest events on the national sporting calendar, the Festival is made possible by major partner Nike. The champion of sport and athletes will power participants to the finish line with bespoke training journeys, fuelled by the Nike Run Club app, guidance from Nike Running Coaches Lydia O’Donnell and Dave Ridley, and the best of Nike innovation in its running footwear and apparel.
“Running is core to Nike. We obsess the needs of runners and celebrate the freedom, possibility and joy found only through movement, which will be on full display at the 2023 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival. I can’t wait to feel the electric atmosphere with you all on race day. This iconic event is a special moment for Australia’s running community to come together and bring their best. Whether running your first race or aiming for a PB, Nike cannot wait to celebrate with you,” said Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade.
Available for purchase online and on race weekend, entrants can gear up with the new official Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival merchandise. Those collecting their race pack during event week will also have the chance to experience the Runners Expo, boasting the latest health and fitness products and services.
In 2022, participants and supporters raised a tremendous $1.1 million for over 250 charities. This year, thousands of racegoers will once again fundraise for causes close to their hearts, including the Festival’s new premier charity partner, Beyond Blue, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma and discrimination around mental health.
Following incredible demand, the full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km events are sold out. However, there are still spaces available in the family-friendly 3km event. Cheer squads are also encouraged to get behind participant fundraising efforts and fill the stands of the MCG on race day.
