Marathon Records Smashed

Media release: Thursday, May 9
MARATHON
RECORDS SMASHED
THE Great Ocean Road Real Estate International Marathon Festival will welcome a 
record-breaking field, with 5170 competitors to contest the event.
It marks the first time in the festival’s nine-year history that 5000 entries have been 
received, much to the delight of marathon committee president Ross Stephens.
“When the marathon was founded by Les Noseda nine years ago, he had the vision to 
eventually attract 5000 competitors,” he said.
“To reach this goal is fantastic and it’s a great tribute to Les.
“Running on the iconic Great Ocean Road is truly memorable and the substantial 
number of entries shows that more people are taking up this rare opportunity.”
The appeal of the festival is evident, with five events welcoming a record number of 
competitors.
The Great Ocean Road Real Estate Marathon has attracted 1154 entrants, while the 
Fagg’s Mitre 10 Half Marathon has amassed 2652 competitors.
The Geelong Advertiser 14km Paradise run (942 competitors) and the Mizuno 6km 
Apollo Bay to Marengo and return (411 competitors) have also proved popular, while 
the TAC Wheelchair Athletes’ Challenge will feature about a dozen athletes.
It includes dual Paralympic gold medallist Richard Colman and rising star Jake Lappin, 
who is expected to challenge Colman.
Stephens was pleased to announce that international entrants were also at a recordhigh.
Participants are travelling from 21 overseas countries - China, Hong Kong, Ireland, 
Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, The 
Philippines, Spain, United Kingdom, America, Austria, Germany, South Africa, Ethiopia, 
Holland and even the French Polynesian island of Moorea.
“We’ve also got competitors from all Australian states and territories,” Stephens said.
Free-striding Kenyan James Kipkelwon spearheads the field for the main event, the 
45km Great Ocean Road Real Estate Marathon from Lorne to Apollo Bay. The two-time 
defending champion is aiming to break his course record of 2:27.42.
The festival features six events, kicking off on Saturday, May 18, with the 6km Mizuno 
run from Apollo Bay to Marengo and back, the 1.5km family-friendly Vetta Pasta Kids’ 
Gallop, the 14km Geelong Advertiser run to Paradise and return, and the TAC 
Wheelchair Athletes’ Challenge, also from Apollo Bay to Paradise and return.
Sunday, May 19, sees the running of the Fagg’s Mitre 10 Half Marathon and the Great 
Ocean Road Real Estate Marathon.
The Great Ocean Road International Marathon Festival is supported by Tourism 
Victoria and three municipalities – Colac Otway Shire, Surf Coast Shire and the City of 
Greater Geelong.

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