In this Run Melbourne Race Report, learn from Team RunRun coach how to be prepared for this flat and fast big-city half marathon. Where should you push for the finish, and what should you expect? Read on and enjoy!
Race: Run Melbourne
Runner: Coach Ian Whitmore
Race Date: 23 July 2023
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Results: 1.35
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Flat, perfect for a PB!
- Scenic city course
- Buzzing atmosphere.
- Finish line within Melbourne Olympic Park
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Mid-winter in Melbourne means it can be fresh, but dry. The post-race coffee is worth it.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Being my home city race, I know the course very well. So I was able to pace myself to a PB. What makes this course unique is it’s a one lap city course. (Many city courses are two laps).
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The first 10k takes you down Flinders Street, through Docklands and along Southbank. So, plenty of distractions as you hold a steady pace and settle in ready for the second half and that PB.
Then you leave the CBD as you run along the Yarra River to then do a loop of the Royal Botanic gardens (Tan), and Fawkner Park both have slight undulations to keep you on your toes and engage those adductors and glute muscles.
At the 17k mark, it’s downhill alongside the tan, and then the final 3k is flat as you run along the other side of the river and into Olympic Park. This is where you want to start increasing your pace as you weave through the sports complex as the crowds build for a strong finish.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Melbourne is voted one of the most liveable cities in the world, so when you get a chance to run through the city traffic free, you take it with both hands.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Apart from a couple of tight turns, its a flat city course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The event has been running since 2008, so they know what they are doing.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
No special handshake needing for this event, register at http://www.runmelbourne.com.au
Weather and typical race conditions
I’ve run this event many times over the years. It will be a fresh start, but not freezing. It’s never rained on me yet and as per the pic you finish under clear blue skies. So perfect running conditions.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Your support crew will love you for running this race. Everything is central.
How’s the Swag?
A nice medal for your efforts.
Ian Whitmore is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.