How the 2021 Melbourne Marathon just got even better
The iconic Melbourne sporting even is back on 10 October 2021
The Melbourne Marathon Festival is one of my favourite running events. The weather is usually great (even for Melbourne), the flat course is ideal for PBs, the atmosphere is electric, the spectators are encouraging, and running into the Melbourne Cricket Ground to finish the race is one of the most uplifting ways to cross the finish line.
Like so many other events in 2020, the Melbourne Marathon Festival went virtual. But let’s be honest – virtual races aren’t the same. That’s why I’m so excited to hear that the event is back in 2021! And the news that Nike is the official major partner is sure to make Australia’s largest marathon event one of the most memorable yet.
Last week the event organiser IMG announced Nike as the Melbourne Marathon Festival’s official major partner ahead of the iconic sporting event’s highly anticipated return this October.
Marcus Gale, Event Director for IMG says, “2019 was a record year for participation and we’re excited to return this year as the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival.”
“We’re dedicated to creating a unique marathon experience for runners and are confident this partnership with Nike will cement our position locally as the preeminent Marathon Festival in Australia, and propel the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival into global significance.”
After a challenging 2020, running has become an increasingly important form of movement with six million Australians running at least once per week – a 33 per cent increase from mid-2019 to 20201. Nike has also seen year-on-year growth in active users of its Nike Run Club (NRC) app over the last three years.
A huge value-add to the event is the that in the lead up to the event, Nike will offer all runners official training programs, powered by Nike Run Club (NRC) app and Nike Training Club (NTC) app.
These programs will be specifically designed by Nike Coaches, Trainers and Athletes to help inspire all runners to reach their goals. I use both apps regularly and have achieved some great results, particularly with the NRC, so I can’t wait to hear more about the details of these training programs when they are released.
The flat and fast course will provide ideal conditions for athletes* pushing for a personal best or for those taking on a new challenge. Nike athletes and coaches are set to join Melbourne at the starting line including Australian running legend Steve Moneghetti, and Nike Pacific Run Coaches Lydia O’Donnell and Dave Ridley.
The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival will provide a range of distances for participants from a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km to a 3km course.
As of Wednesday 10 March, you can still register for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival to be held on Sunday 10 October at early bird rates, and pre-order Nike Running apparel exclusive to the 2021 Event here.
*if you have a body, you are an athlete.