Event completed: The inaugural 19–20 September weekend is now complete. This pre-race feature is retained as an archive; read the official-results report and weekend recap for verified post-event coverage. This archive note does not claim attendance or sales totals.
Geelong race weekend is almost here, and the excitement deserves a little room in your diary. The inaugural Geelong Running Festival brings runners together on 19–20 September 2026, with the expo opening on Friday 18 September. Finish-line plans are taking shape, bibs are waiting to be collected and a new chapter for running in Geelong is about to begin.
We will be joining the build-up at the expo with ToeSox, Tavi Active and Mizu. Before the racing starts, come and visit us, introduce yourself and share what the weekend means to you. Here are five reasons we are looking forward to it.
Promotional event coverage: our team will be exhibiting with ToeSox, Tavi Active and Mizu.
1. Be part of the first Geelong race weekend of its kind
An inaugural event has a particular kind of energy. Nobody has last year’s race story yet; everyone gets to help write the first one. The organiser’s festival introduction describes a program built around a marathon, half marathon and community 6.5km, with shorter events on Saturday.
For some runners, the memory will be a time on a watch. For others, it will be arriving at the start with a friend, seeing family on the course or simply following through on a goal. All of those are worth celebrating. Come ready to notice the moments between the start and finish, too.
2. Enjoy a weekend with a Geelong backdrop
Corio Bay, the Eastern Beach foreshore and Kardinia Park are part of the appeal described by the organiser. This is a chance to enjoy the city through a running lens, with a different kind of anticipation from an ordinary weekend visit.
If you are travelling with supporters, give them a part in the plan. Look at the official maps together, choose a meeting point and decide how you will reconnect afterwards. A little planning leaves more space for the good bits: spotting a familiar face, sharing a cheer and talking through the day over a meal.
3. Bring your own reason to celebrate
The City of Greater Geelong’s event listing highlights Saturday’s kids’ and all-abilities races alongside Sunday’s longer events. That makes this a weekend with more than one kind of finish line.
Perhaps you are running, perhaps you are supporting, or perhaps someone in your household is trying an event for the first time. Make space for their excitement. A supportive message before the start and a patient meeting plan afterwards can become part of the story they remember.
4. Start the celebrations at the expo
Bib collection is a great excuse to soak up the build-up. We will be at the Brooks Running Expo with ToeSox, Tavi Active and Mizu, and we would love you to stop by. Tell us your distance, your favourite local route or the class that keeps you moving between runs.
Explore ToeSox grip socks for studio sessions, Tavi Active activewear and grip socks, and Mizu reusable bottles for everyday use around training. Ask our team what is available on the day. Find the venue and opening times in our Geelong Running Festival expo invitation.
5. Take home more than a race result
A new event is a chance to meet people as well as a test of distance. Bring your club mates into a photo, thank a volunteer and make time to hear how someone else’s day went. You might leave with a new training idea, a future event on your list or simply a story worth retelling.
Before you head out, read our Geelong Running Festival weekend preview and check the organiser’s latest race instructions. Then enjoy the anticipation. We look forward to seeing you at the expo—come and say hello to our team with ToeSox, Tavi Active and Mizu!
Event information checked on 16 September 2026. Follow the organiser’s latest instructions for any changes.
