Event Overview
The Geelong Running Festival is held in Geelong, Victoria on Sunday 20 September 2026. The 2026 program includes the city’s first marathon alongside a half marathon, a wheelchair half marathon, and a community 8km. Key start and finish activity is based at Steampacket Gardens, with the 8km starting near the T & G Building. The organiser notes traffic-free streets and passes through Kardinia Park, with sections along the waterfront precinct.
What the Course Demands
With marathon and half marathon courses certified by AIMS and measured to World Athletics standards, this event suits athletes who value accurate distance and timing. All listed races use a central finish at Steampacket Gardens, so pacing and execution need to account for shared event logistics and a busy start period. Published cut-off times indicate a broad participation range, from faster runners through to run-walk participants managing time on feet.
Who This Event Suits Best
This festival format works well for runners choosing between a first-time marathon, a targeted half marathon, or a shorter 8km effort within the same event setting. It also suits athletes who prefer a clearly defined event hub and a return-to-the-same-finish structure. The wheelchair half marathon option provides an additional pathway for competitors seeking an organised, timed race over the half marathon distance.
