I am quite sure I could not run 42.2km if I were being chased by a tiger, but for those sporty souls who love nothing more than feeling the wind in their hair and the lactic acid burn in their muscles, the Melbourne Marathon is the best day of the year.
Runners pass some of Melbourne's most beautiful landmarks, including Albert Park Lake, Flinders Street Station and Alexandra Gardens. More than 30,000 people are expected to take part, and there is a $20,000 first prize for the fastest male runner and the fastest female runner.
The entrance fee is $160 for those running the full marathon (there is also a wheelchair marathon, leaving about an hour after the runners on the same course, and the entrance fee is the same).
Want to be active but not on for a full 42.2km? There are also half-marathon, 10km and 5.7km options for runners, as well as a 3km walk for those who want to take it a bit easier. And of course, it costs nothing to spectate and cheer on those who are participating.
