Synopsis

The Melbourne Marathon attracts competitors from all over Australia as well as international elite marathon runners all chasing course records and major prize money. The course starts and finishes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and passes through many well known Melbourne landmarks along the internationally accredited course.

The Melbourne Marathon attracts elite athletes and everyday runners alike, including the renowned Spartan Athletes. Spartans are runners who have completed in 10 or more Melbourne Marathons, recognized today by their distinctive green, blue, red or black vests each with their own personalized race number. The black vests are worn by the Spartan Legends who have completed every Melbourne Marathon since the beginning in 1978. The vest is worn with pride by all Spartans as a sign of their dedication to marathon running. Club records today reflect a total of over 1000 athletes who have now qualified as Spartans from countries all over the world.

The 33rd running of the marathon in 2010 saw new records in the men’s and women’s races. Kenyan Japhet Kipkorir beat the men's record set in 1982 and Ethiopian Mulu Seboka beat the women's record set in 1999. The race attracted over 27,000 participants, who competed on the largely flat and incredibly picturesque route through parks, along the St Kilda waterfront and finishing with a lap of the iconic MCG.

Date:October 2011

Duration:1 x 52min highlights programme

Rights:All media rights

Territories:Worldwide ex Australia