The inaugural Geelong Running Festival has been labelled a success after welcoming more than 6,000 athletes across six events and being embraced by the Geelong community.

On Saturday, the kids and all abilities events kicked off the racing action, with triple Olympian Nathan Deakes presenting medals to every finisher, almost 20 years after breaking the 50km walk world record on the Geelong waterfront.

On Sunday, athletes took in some of Geelong's most iconic sites, including the waterfront, Johnstone Park, and the opportunity to run around the boundary within GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park.

Conditions proved tough for race day, with a warm 27-degree forecast and strong winds picking up. However, the morning was picture-perfect, still and clear, with the community turning out in force to support participants along the entire course.

Inaugural marathon champion Colm Fitzgerald crossed the line in 2:22:09, with fellow winner Sarah James claiming the women's title in 2:51:57.

Race Director, Lee Troop

This weekend has been many years in the making and I'm incredibly proud that we've been able to showcase Geelong in this way and to welcome over 6,000 participants to our city and this event. For me this event is about more than running, it's about building community and giving back. I'm proud that we have been able to raise $167,809 for more than 300 charities, with $75,000 going to our 13 charity partners.

We designed the course so that everyone could be involved and be a part of the Geelong Running Festival. I've been blown away to hear stories from athletes who were inspired to start running so they could be a part of this first year event, paving the way for future years and future athletes.

I am grateful for the support of all our sponsors and of State and Local Government for believing in our vision and to have been able to deliver such an incredible event. Congratulations to all our race winners and to everyone who participated and gave it their all.
We cannot wait to bring the Geelong Running Festival back in 2027.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

Congratulations to every runner, supporter, volunteer and spectator who helped make the inaugural Geelong Running Festival such a memorable, history-making celebration.

I'm incredibly proud of the Geelong community for getting behind this major event and showcasing what makes our city so special. Thank you to everyone who played a part, see you at the start line next year!

Colm Fitzgerald, Zeekr Marathon Champion

It was a tough course out there, conditions were tough as well, but it was so enjoyable. I really loved seeing how the whole community got around and supported the event. Coming back into the city was brilliant, and the views along the pier and the water were amazing, I was just soaking up every second of it. I also loved running through GMHBA Stadium, it was really cool to run alongside the pitch, especially with my partner being such a big Geelong fan.

Sarah James, Zeekr Marathon Champion

To win a marathon in my hometown means so much. Being a local to Geelong, I had a lot of friends and family out on the course, and it really means a lot to have an event like this in our city. I wanted to give it my all, and I'm so glad I came away with the win.

It was tough out there, but a beautiful course, and really well organised. Having that local support made it amazing, hearing people shouting my name out there, it felt like the whole of Geelong was behind us. Such a great atmosphere, and so many great spectator spots. The weather was perfect for spectating, maybe not so much for running, but it was awesome.

The event was made possible thanks to more than 200 volunteers, the team at O2 Events, Visit Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong, major sponsors Zeekr, RedZed, Henley Homes and Guzman y Gomez, and all of our event partners who helped bring the festival to life.

Race results

Zeekr Marathon
● Men's – Winner Colm Fitzgerald, 2:22:09
● Women's – Winner Sarah James, 2:51:57
RedZed Half Marathon
● Men's – Winner Liam Adams, 1:05:26
● Women's – Winner Brooke Williams, 1:19:53
RedZed Wheelchair Half Marathon
● Men's – Winner Samuel Rizzo, 54:17
● Women's – Winner Amelia Kayser, 2:11:46
Henley Homes Community 6.5km
● Men's – Winner Charles Mayfield, 22:20
● Women's – Winner Eloise McCarthy, 24:05