The starting gun for the 31st edition of the Samsung Melbourne Marathon will sound off in just 100 days time, and already more than a third of the 3500 available entries for the marathon distance have been snapped up.
Everyone from the elite runner to the weekend warrior is gearing up for Melbourne’s premier running event on Sunday, 12 October.
Last year both the marathon and half marathon were fully subscribed, and in 2008, more than 20,000 entrants are expected to toe the start line.
This year, participants will have an opportunity to receive inspiration and preparation tips from four-time Olympian and Australian marathon record holder Rob de Castella, who has been appointed event ambassador.
"The Samsung Melbourne Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious marathons on the Australian running calendar, and rightly so, with the wonderful rich tradition, great organisation, and a course that now finishes at the iconic MCG,” explained de Castella.
“It is an event that all runners dream of being part of, and as the event’s ambassador, I am absolutely thrilled to be involved again.
“I am looking forward to being there on the day to support and encourage all participants to achieve their dreams."
The Samsung Melbourne Marathon was the most popular marathon event in Australia last year, eclipsing entries in both the Gold Coast and Sydney marathons.
With four distances to choose from, there is an event to suit everyone:
