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Melbourne Marathon
October 14, 2018
Be a part of Australia’s largest marathon and race alongside marathon legends. Circle around Albert Park Lake, Flinders Street Station, pass the St Kilda beach foreshore and cross the finish line at the MCG to cheers from supporters, family and friends. The Medibank Melbourne Marathon is a competitive, adrenaline-filled race for those experienced in marathon running who want to set a PB on our fast and flat course, and is also perfect for first-timers and less experienced marathon runners.
Medibank are once again proud to be supporting the Medibank Melbourne Marathon Festival as naming rights partner. At Medibank, our company purpose is better health for better lives, so we know staying active offers major preventative health benefits as well as improving physical and mental wellbeing. Whether this is your first time or your 40th time competing in the Marathon, we applaud your preparation and wish you all the best for your participation in the Marathon. Visit medibank.com.au to find out more about a range of health care products to suit your needs.
EVENT INFORMATION
| Date | Sunday October 14 2018 |
| Distance | 42.195km |
| Start Time | 7:00am |
| Cut Off Time | 2:00pm |
| Field Limit | N/A |
| Start Line | Batman Avenue (150m North of Rod Laver Arena) |
| Finish Line | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) |
| Age Limit | 18 years or older on race day |
| Registration Cut Off | 12pm Saturday October 13 2018 |
ENTRY FEES & INCLUSIONS
Please note entry fees are subject to change at any time, so sign up early to secure the best pricing.
| Adult |
| $155 |
Inclusions:
- Entry
- Race Bib
- Safety Pins
- Race Information Booklet
- Competitor Gift*
- Optional Post-Run Massage
- Finishers Medal
- E-Certificate
*Please note Competitor Gifts can only be collected from the Gift Collection Tent located at the MCG during Race Week Office opening hours. You must bring your bib with you in order to collect your gift.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- Start at Batman Avenue.
- Head north along Batman Avenue; left into Flinders Street, left into Swanston Street, cross to northbound (west side) service lane at Princes Bridge and then head along St Kilda Road.
- At St Kilda Junction, runners turn right into Fitzroy Street then right into Lakeside Drive and do a lap anti-clockwise circuit of the Lake.
- This Lake loop requires runners to turn left into Albert Road Drive from Lakeside Drive and left into Aughtie Drive continuing around the Albert Park Lake roadway.
- At the Carousel car park runners proceed behind and around Pits Building using Aughtie Walk before U-turning in Aughtie Drive approx 300m past the Pits Building.
- Proceed to a right hand turn into Village Green Rd and right onto Lakeside Drive and right on to Fitzroy St.
- Make a right hand turn at Acland St extension into Beaconsfield Parade, proceed north to a U-turn just before Bay St heading south back toward St Kilda along Beaconsfield Parade.
- At the Beaconsfield Parade intersection with Jacka Boulevard, runners will veer right and head towards Elwood using Jacka Boulevard,Marine Parade and Ormond Esplanade U-Turn near Kingsley St. Runners then proceed north along Ormond Esplanade, Marine Parade, Jacka Blvd in north bound lanes to right hand turn into extension of Acland St, followed by a left hand turn into Fitzroy St.
- Turn left into the St Kilda Road northbound service lanes and continue to left hand turn into Southbank Blvd, right hand turn into Sturt St and proceed (under the St Kilda Rd) along Alexandra Ave to a right hand turn into Linlithgow Ave.
- Proceed along Linlithgow Ave to Birdwood Ave to right hand turn into Domain Rd.
- Take a right hand turn up Dallas Brooks drive, left onto Birdwood, veer left onto Government House drive and then right onto St Kilda Road.
- Proceed along St Kilda Rd to a right hand turn into Flinders St.
- Veer right into Wellington Parade South, turn right into Brunton Ave then left into Gate C and do one lap of the MCG to the finish line.
COURSE MAP
Course map will be revealed soon.
ELEVATION MAP
SLOW COURSE
INFORMATION FOR 5+HR MARATHON RUNNERS
The Melbourne Marathon has a course redirection for entrants who are running at slower than 5hr marathon pace. At the 22km mark of the Marathon (approx. 9:40am), slower runners will be redirected into Fitzroy St from Beaconsfield Parade. Redirected runners will be given a wristband and will not be permitted to complete the southern section of the course (8km). Instead these redirected runners will be required to make up this lost distance by completing a series of loops in Brunton Avenue (near the finish) before heading to the MCG finish line.
Redirected, slower runners have up to 7hrs to make it inside the MCG to have their results officially recorded.
A designated team of officials will be on hand to record and advise all redirected runners.
Please note: The redirection is a race requirement and is done so to ensure the safety of slower runners and also to meet the City of Melbourne’s traffic management requirements. The redirected course has been measured to AIMS standards.
PACERS
BECOMING A PACER
Pacer Applications are now open, to apply please follow this link.
Pace Group Leaders will be expected to run at an even pace for the entire distance of their event and to offer encouragement and information along the way. Keeping to your allocated pace and communication between yourself and the athletes within your Pace Group is extremely important if everyone is to continue as a group.
The following Pace Groups will be running in the Full Marathon in 2018:
| MARATHON | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:50 | 3:00 | 3:10 | 3:20 | 3:30 | 3:40 |
| 3:50 | 4:00 | 4:10 | 4:20 | 4:30 | |
RUNNING WITH A PACER
- If you are a participating athlete and wish to join a Pace Group, please look out for the Pace Group signs at the Start Area on race day
- You do not need to register your interest
- All Pace Group Leaders will be easily identifiable in event gear with their particular pace time clearly visible
PREFERRED STARTS
Once you have successfully registered for the event, you can apply for a Preferred Start, which is a starting position immediately behind the Elite field. To be granted a preferred start you must have achieved the following qualifying times for your event since 1st July 2017:
| OPEN | OVER 40 | OVER 50 | |
| MALE | Sub 2:50 | Sub 3:00 | Sub 3:10 |
| FEMALE | Sub 3:10 | Sub 3:25 | Sub 3:35 |
Applications for Preferred Starts must be made online and should include details of the races (i.e. race name, date and distance) at which qualifying performances have been achieved. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Any participants who are not registered will not be considered. All applications are checked to guarantee times submitted are valid. Please fill out an application form here.
Preferred Start applications close at 5pm on Monday September 24, 2018.
Successful applicants will receive an approval email prior to the event with further details. If you have legitimately achieved the performance standards above you are guaranteed a Preferred Start. For first time Marathon or Half Marathon runners performances at shorter distance events will be considered.
The Preferred Start zone is located immediately next to the start line on the river side and will have a number of exclusive toilets for the Elites and Preferred Starters. On race morning approved applicants are to report to the Preferred Start Zone and have their name checked off at one of two entry points.
Please note: applying for a Preferred Start is a separate process to the online race entry system. Applying for a Preferred Start does not guarantee race entry, so please be aware of the race entry cut off times and field limits.
| The 2018 Preferred Start Process | |
| 1 | Enter the event of your choice by September 24th |
| 2 | Apply for a Preferred Start by September 24th |
| 3 | Receive your confirmation email |
| 4 | On race morning report in to the Preferred Start zone and have your name checked off |
| 5 | Take your place on the start line 5 minutes before race start |
DRINK STATIONS
ON COURSE NUTRITION
Endura – Official Electrolyte of the Melbourne Marathon
Endura’s proud to help fuel your Melbourne Marathon with Endura Rehydration Performance Fuel (Lemon/Lime) at key drink stations to help you race faster and recover quicker. Endura’s scientifically advanced formula features essential electrolytes (including exclusive Meta Mag® magnesium) to help keep your muscles performing at their best and 20 g of high-quality carbs per serve to give you that much needed energy boost to race faster and finish stronger.
Endura – Official Energy Gel of the Melbourne Marathon
At the 30 km mark of the Marathon, you’ll find an oasis of energy with Endura Energy Gels (all 8 flavours!) available to give you a nice kick of energy (26 g of carbs per serve) to bring you home strong. Endura’s Energy Gels feature dual-source carbs for fast/slow release energy and maximum absorption, giving you that instant hit, but also a sustained energy boost.
DRINK STATION LOCATIONS
| LOCATION | DISTANCE (KM) | SUPPLIED | MEDICAL | TOILETS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batman Ave – Start | 0 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Albert Rd | 3 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lakeside Drive | 6 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Albert Rd Drive | 8.5 | Water + Endura | ✗ | ✓ |
| PERSONAL DRINKS 1 | 11.2 | PERSONAL DRINKS | ✗ | ✗ |
| Pits Building | 11.2 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Village Green Drive | 13.7 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mills St | 17 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mills St | 20.3 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| PERSONAL DRINKS 2 | 23.5 | PERSONAL DRINKS | ✗ | ✗ |
| Point Ormond | 24.5 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Point Ormond | 28 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fitzroy St | 31.1 | Water | ✓ | ✗ |
| Albert Rd/St Kilda Rd | 34.1 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| PERSONAL DRINKS 3 | 36.1 | PERSONAL DRINKS | ✗ | ✗ |
| Birdwood Ave | 37 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| St Kilda Rd/Govt House Drive | 39.8 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wellington Pde Sth | 41.6 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
| MCG Finish | 42.196 | Water + Endura | ✓ | ✓ |
*Please note Drink Station Locations are subject to Change
PERSONAL DRINK STATIONS
Marathon competitors who wish to have their own refreshments available to collect from designated Drink Stations on course during Race Day.
| DROP OFF INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Drop Off Location | Outside Gate 2 – Near Cricket Nets |
| Drop Off Date | TBC |
| Drop Off Times | 8am-2pm |
| Personal Drink Station Locations | 10.5km, 23.5km, 36.1km |
RESTRICTIONS
- Drink containers are not to be any taller than 21cm in total including all attachments
- Special Drinks Drop off will close at 2.00pm
- No Balloons/Sticks are to be attached
- Your race number must be clearly shown on the bottle container
- It is your responsibility to find your own bottle at the Personal Drinks Station
- You must not drop your bottle on course it must be dropped in the Event Waste Zone
- The Personal Drinks service is available to competitors in the full marathon only
PRIZE MONEY
| PLACE | MALE | FEMALE |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST PLACE | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| SECOND PLACE | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| THIRD PLACE | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| FOURTH PLACE | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| FIFTH PLACE | $1,000 | $1,000 |
*Amounts in AUD
An athlete’s assistant package is available on application for runners who have a performance since the 1st January 2017 that is better than our course record.
Please note: International athletes will be subject to Withholding Tax, however may be able to claim back if agreements exist between Australia and their country of residence.
PRIZE MONEY (BONUS POOLS)
| BONUS PRIZE POOL #1 | TIME | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST PLACE MALE | Sub 2:10:47 | $20,000 |
| FIRST PLACE FEMALE | Sub 2:26:05 | $20,000 |
$20,000 will be awarded to both the 1st Male and 1st Female if they break the Melbourne Marathon Records of Sub 2:10:47 (Male) and Sub 2:26:05 (Female).
*If Prize Pool #1 is collected, the competitor will NOT collect Prize Pool #3
| BONUS PRIZE POOL #2 | TIME | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST PLACE MALE | Sub 2:11:00 | $3,000 |
| FIRST PLACE FEMALE | Sub 2:30:00 | $3,000 |
$3,000 will be awarded to any Male or Female runner who places from 2nd to 5th place who runs Sub 2:11:00 (Male) and Sub 2:30:00 (Female).
*If Prize Pool #2 is collected, the competitor will NOT collect Prize Pool #3
| BONUS PRIZE POOL #3 | TIME | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST PLACE MALE | Sub 2:12:00 | $1,500 |
| FIRST PLACE FEMALE | Sub 2:32:00 | $1,500 |
$1,500 will be awarded to any Male or Female runner who places from 1st to 5th place and runs Sub 2:12:00 (Male) and Sub 2:32:00 (Female)
ELITE ATHLETES
The Medibank Melbourne Marathon Festival has a proud history of supporting Australia and New Zealand’s elite runners.
With more Australians qualifying for the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games than any other domestic event in the past decade, there is no doubt that the fast Melbourne course provides a perfect vehicle for quality performances. Names like Weightman, Adams, Trengove and Diver have represented the Green and Gold with distinction as a result of what they’ve achieved on the streets of Melbourne.
In 2018 this tradition will continue with support packages available to athletes who have achieved the following standards since July 1st 2017:
| Men | Women | |||
| Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
| Marathon | sub 2:16 | sub 2:21 | sub 2:35 | Sub 2:42 |
| Half Marathon | sub 1:04 | sub 1:07 | sub 1:12 | sub 1:16 |
For further information on the support packages or to register your interest, please submit an application here.
SPARTANS
The Melbourne Marathon Spartans Club was formed in 1987 following initial discussions between Race Director Ted Paulin and Brian Dixon (former M.L.A. and Melbourne Football Club footballer). It was decided in 1987 to officially recognize the efforts of those 88 hardy souls who had completed all ten Melbourne Marathons hence the concept of the Spartan evolved.
Not in the wildest dreams of either Ted or Brian did they think the Spartan concept would be as strong as it currently is in 2017. The title of Spartan has now become one of the Australian running community’s most sought after.
Spartans are recognized today by their distinctive green, blue, red, gold, black and maroon running singlets and each runner having their own personalized race number. The singlet is worn with the utmost pride by all Spartans as a sign of their achievement and dedication to marathon running.
There are currently 1228 male, 97 female and 2 wheelchair Spartans. Although mainly Victorians, they come from all over Australia with a few overseas members. Seven 39 Year Spartans remain: Roger Weinstein, David Foskey, Frank Biviano, Manny Karageorgiou, Wayne Thompson, Bruce Hargreaves and John Dobson.
For further information on the Spartans club, please click here or visit the official Melbourne Marathon Spartan’s website: www.melbournemarathonspartans.com
WHEELCHAIR ENTRANTS
PARTICIPANTS IN RACING WHEELCHAIRS
Those wishing to participate in a racing wheelchair are required to register in the Medibank Melbourne Wheelchair Marathon 7:55am start. This will be 5 minutes before the start of the Half Marathon, and will allow you to safely navigate the course free from crowds.
PARTICIPANTS IN NON-RACING WHEELCHAIRS
Those wishing to participate in a non-racing wheelchair are required to register in the Medibank Melbourne Marathon 7:00am start. For the safety of yourself and to assist with navigating through the field of runners, we highly recommend starting towards the back of the starting pack.
Non-racing wheelchair participants are also permitted to register the ASICS 3km Walk. Please note that the Half Marathon, 10km Run and ASICS 5km Run are not wheelchair-friendly.