Nike supports beginners to elite runners on training journey for Melbourne Marathon Festival

The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival will return to its signature spring timeslot of Sunday 2nd October, marking the 44th instalment of the historic sporting event with major partner Nike providing premium resources, training journey support and world-class gear for runners to have their best race yet.

Nike offers participants a tailored program of running, training, and recovery sessions, along with Member exclusive product rewards and giveaways, first access to hyper-exclusive gear, and entry to events and running experiences on their journey to the running festival.

Athletes of all ages, abilities and experience levels will take part in six distances, each starting at Batman Avenue and finishing with a lap of the MCG.

Events include the Nike Melbourne Marathon (42.195km), Nike Wheelchair Marathon (42.195km), Nike Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km Run, 5km Run and 3km Walk. Whether race-goers are embarking on their first marathon, looking to smash a personal best, or are simply seeking a springtime walk with the family, there’s a place for everyone at the start line.

Event Director, Marcus Gale notes “after delivering the largest running event since the start of the pandemic in December 2021, we are delighted for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival to return to our city this spring. Our world class network of expert trainers and loyal sponsors are ready and raring to help participants through every step of their training journey. From veteran Spartans to budding athletes, nothing unites the running community like this iconic event!”

Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade enthused “Nike is excited to get Melbourne moving again and is proud to be the major partner of the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival for a second year.

“This is Australia’s largest Running Festival and is open to everybody – as we like to say, from 5kays to all the kays. From beginners to elite runners looking to achieve a personal best, Nike is there to welcome you and to support you. So grab your running buddy, download the free marathon training journeys, lace up and hit the pavement! We can’t wait to see you out there.”

Ahead of race day, participants will have access to an exciting array of fitness products, stores and offers from Nike and other sponsors including Gatorade and BMW at the Runners Expo on the MCG concourse. Another key feature returning in 2022 is the Very Important Runner package, giving die-hard entrants access to personalised bibs, tailored training programs, pre-race snacks and a private room to prepare for the big race. On event day, spectators and supporters will receive free access to the MCG to cheer on family and friends from the stands and the Nike Cheer Zone.

In 2021, participants and supporters raised over $1.2 million for more than 162 deserving charities and causes across the country including this year’s premier charity partner, the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC). For more than 20 years, the non-profit organisation has helped thousands of children and adults living with cerebral palsy live full and active lives through direct therapy services. Participants are encouraged to raise funds for CPEC and other associate charities by setting up a fundraising page via the website.

Registrations are now open via melbournemarathon.com.au