Geelong is having a moment, and the Geelong Running Festival is a big part of why. Set against the backdrop of one of Victoria's most stunning waterfronts, this event has grown into one of the state's favourite regional running weekends — and once you've run the course, you'll understand exactly why people keep coming back.
The course hugs the Geelong Waterfront — think sparkling water, Norfolk Island pines, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget you're tired. It's one of the prettier running routes in Victoria, and the flat profile means your legs will thank you even when your lungs are working hard.
The waterfront setting is the star of the show. You'll run past Cunningham Pier, through Eastern Park, and along some of Geelong's most scenic stretches. The post-race area is perfectly set up for food, drinks, and well-deserved recovery by the water.
Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km), and Community Run (approx. 6.5km). Whether you're taking on your first marathon or just want a scenic run with some structure, there's a distance that fits.
Geelong is just over an hour from Melbourne by V/Line train from Southern Cross Station, and the waterfront is walkable from Geelong Station. No parking stress, no post-race driving. October is shoulder season for accommodation — good deals are available if you book ahead.
September in Geelong can be variable — pack a layer for pre-race and be ready for anything from sunshine to a cool southerly. The waterfront course has minimal shade, so sunscreen is a must.
