Thousands of athletes took part in last year’s Run Wollongong Marathon. Photo: Run Wollongong.
More than 3000 runners are expected to take part in this weekend’s Run Wollongong Marathon, including top Australian and international athletes.
A number of Wollongong and North Wollongong roads will be closed on Saturday and Sunday (18 and 19 April) as professional and amateur athletes take part in the marathon, half marathon, the Kerryn McCann 10 km run, the Fitness 5 km and the Turbo 2 km events.
Run Wollongong event director Mark Emerton said it was more than just a race.
“It’s an experience that brings together community, performance and place,” he said.
“With thousands of runners hitting the streets and visitors flowing into the city, the impact goes far beyond the finish line.”
Among those taking part in the Elite 5 km fun run will be two of Australia’s top female runners, Genevieve Gregson and Eloise Wellings.
Gregson, a four-time Olympian who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the marathon, is one of Australia’s most accomplished distance runners.
She transitioned from a national record-holding steeplechaser to one of the country’s fastest-ever marathoners.
Wellings, a dual Olympian and Commonwealth Games representative, has enjoyed a long and decorated career spanning track, cross country and marathon racing, including Olympic finals appearances and a marathon personal best of 2:25.
Adding international prestige to the event is Wilfried Köhnke.
Köhnke, an industrial clerk by profession and long-time recreational athlete, has been running since 1966 and is known as a figurehead of the BMW Berlin Marathon, in which he has raced 49 times.
Holding the record for the most finishes in the race, he is aiming to finish his 50th Berlin Marathon in September 2026.
Köhnke is a long-time visitor to Australia and has competed in 16 Australian races including marathons in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
The action starts early on Saturday 18 April, with the 42.2 km marathon starting at 6:30 am from Cliff Road, Wollongong.
For information and event details, visit Run Wollongong. For information on road closures click here.
