Melbourne Marathon Hits Record Numbers to be the Biggest Marathon in Australia
Registrations keep rolling in and the 2007 Samsung Melbourne Marathon has just crossed the line to being the biggest marathon in Australia for 2007. Having just ticked over 2900 entrants in the 42km event to date, and expecting to reach the race capacity of 3000, The Samsung Melbourne Marathon taking place on Sunday 7th October has set a new benchmark in marathons in Australia.
The overall increase in entrants encompassing all four race distances is double, with 7000 in 2006 and over 15 000 in 2007 to date, with registrations still open.
The Samsung Melbourne Marathon is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary and has attracted the largest marathon field since 1992. The new course, MCG finishing lap, spectacular running scenery and the knowledge that this is an iconic event with an illustrious history have all had a hand in attracting an international and national field of elite and recreational runners. The event continues to grow with the 2006 marathon attracting only 1800 people.
Dallas O’Brien, IMG Director of Athletics and Fitness, said “The 2007 Samsung Melbourne Marathon begins a new era in marathon racing in Australia, putting Melbourne back on the map as the biggest marathon in the country. We’re now looking forward to event day and expect some great performances on the new course from both the elites and the general running community”.
While the hero event is the Samsung 42km, the field for the 21km Asics Half Marathon is completely full with 5000 entrants.
Also the Coffee Club 10km and Active Feet 5.5km are proving to be highly popular events attracting over 7000 entrants collectively and expecting 9000. With the growing popularity of fun runs the shorter distances have allowed people all levels of fitness to take part and treat the event as a social get together with friends and family.
Participants will be competing for over $20,000 in prize money and over $30,000 worth of prizes from Samsung and Asics.
The official charity of the Samsung Melbourne Marathon is The Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC). Competitors have the opportunity to support this worthy charity or can be sponsored to run for CPEC. IMG, the Event owners and promoters are on track to raise up to $100 000 for CPEC.
Event registration can be made at http://www.melbournemarathon.com.au with online registrations closing Monday 1st October and late entries able to made from Wednesday 3rd October to Saturday 6th October at the MCG Gate 1.
