Elite leaders push toward the finish as Melbourne’s streets host a major running festival
Melbourne’s race day turned the city into a live stadium, with crowds lining streets and notable international and domestic runners taking on the course. At the 25-kilometre mark along Marine Parade in Elwood, the battle at the front of the Melbourne Marathon featured Australia’s Jack Rayner and Japan’s Jo Fukuda running together in a gripping duel for the lead. About 30 seconds behind in third place, Fraser Darcy remained in touch, adding intrigue as he followed the Australian standout from earlier in the day’s events.
Road closures across the CBD and Southbank — including Flinders Street, St Kilda Road, Kavanagh Street, Wellington Parade, Domain Road, Jolimont Road and Brunton Road — underscored the scale of the event. Organisers expect the arterial routes to reopen by mid-afternoon as Melbourne’s marathon weekend continues to unfold.
Meanwhile, the southern legs of the race course tightened the visual drama as major streets Beaconsfield Parade, Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, Marine Parade and Ormond Esplanade prepared to close and then reopen by around 2:00pm. The city’s waterfront setting laid a vibrant backdrop for both the marathon and the 10km race, drawing runners and spectators from across Australia and beyond.
Victorian and Australian hopes shine on the 10km podium
In the 10km event, Ellie Pashley charged to victory with a sprint finish that lit up the finish line, crossing to fireworks as the crowd cheered. A Tokyo 2021 Olympian, Pashley’s 23rd-place finish at the Games did little to dampen her Melbourne Marathon Festival success. The podium was entirely Australian, with Stella Radford taking second and Tiana Cetta third.
Adam Goddard led the men in the 10km, clocking 28:39 to claim victory. The 22-year-old’s form is clearly on an upward trajectory, following his win at the South Australian City-Bay 14km earlier this year. He was followed by Yohanes Dagnaw and Zayd Al Sayd, who finished second and third respectively.
As the 10km action wrapped, anticipation built for the half-marathon challenges that awaited later in the day, including a notable sight in the crowd and on the course: Robyn Kelm, a retired hairdresser and farmer from Horsham, entering the half marathon with the determination that marks many Melborner runners. Kelm, who described waking at 6am for gym sessions as “not a problem,” epitomized the day’s mix of community and competitive spirit.
Personal stories echo through the field
The event’s endurance appeal extended beyond the elites. Ross Malcomson, living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), was accompanied by three family members in a modified wheelchair, aiming to finish the 42.2km course at the MCG with his loved ones. The Malcomson family has raised significant support for MND Victoria, highlighting the event’s role as a charity platform in addition to a professional race.
Speaking from the start line, John Dobson, 74, a lifelong Melbourne Marathon participant from Eltham, emphasized the personal nature of the event. Having run every Melbourne Marathon since it began in 1978, Dobson’s commitment — even as an arthritis sufferer and cancer survivor — reflected the marathon’s enduring role as a community tradition. He spoke about the encouragement he receives from relatives and fellow runners alike as his main motivation.
The day’s energy was palpable as families and friends joined participants, with Dobson, Kelm and other volunteers highlighting the inclusive, celebratory side of Melbourne’s running culture. The 10km and half-marathon portions, staged against a sunlit Yarra River backdrop, provided scenic motivation for first-timers and veterans alike.
Community participation and the sport’s future in Melbourne
From weekend visitors to local athletes who train on beaches near Hampton and Sandringham, the Melbourne Marathon Festival fosters a sense of unity around running. The event continues to grow as a platform for personal achievement, family participation, and charitable fundraising, all while showcasing Melbourne’s capacity to host large-scale outdoor sports with urban charm.
As city streets slowly return to normal after a day of elite competition and inclusive participation, Melbourne’s marathon legacy endures — a blend of high-performance sport and everyday inspiration that motivates people to lace up and be part of the next running season.
