Participate Or Spectate – Awesome Sporting Events Happening In Melbourne, Australia

By Laura Graham www.awineanddine.com.au

The southern Australian city of Melbourne attracts millions of visitors from around the globe each year. There is always so much to see and do in this iconic city that tourists will never be bored.

As a sport’s lover and traveller, you’ll soon discover that Melbourne has much to offer both participants and spectators alike, and in this post, we’ll take a look at just some of the awesome sporting events that this city plays host to.

Ironman 70.3 Geelong

Geelong is a city located just south-west of Melbourne, and even though it’s an independent city in its own right, many still consider Geelong to be a part of Melbourne.

In February, Geelong plays host to Ironman 70.3, an event that won 1^st place for Overall Athlete Satisfaction in the Athlete’s Choice Awards in 2018.

It’s a stunning venue and location which boasts a world-class course, and the local community really gets behind the event if gives it full support.

Slots in this event are limited to only 80, so if you are hoping to participate, it’s best to register your interest online as early as possible.

The Melbourne Cup

Unless you’re either a racehorse or a champion jockey, this event will be a spectator affair only, but one worth experiencing if you happen to be in Melbourne on the first Tuesday in November.

The 2019 Melbourne Cup looks set to be the biggest race in its more than 150-year history.

What’s so special about this particular horse race that it attracts such huge crowds from both Australia and overseas?

It’s the country’s most famous and prestigious thoroughbred horse race. When it’s Cup time, everyone in Australia “downs tools” and stops what they’re doing just to watch the race, and it’s been that way for many decades.

During that first week in November, Melbourne hosts the biggest party of the year, and it’s something that visitors will remember fondly for the rest of their lives.

Melbourne Marathon Festival

Melbourne city plays host to Australia’s largest marathon event. In fact, it’s far more than just a marathon. It’s an entire festival and celebration as well.

As far as participation goes, there are a number of events athletes can enter:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 10km Run
• 5km Run
• 3km Walk
• Team’s Events

In each event, athletes will cross the finish line inside Melbourne’s iconic MCG stadium.

There is really something for everyone, and all experience and fitness levels are catered for. If you don’t fancy participating, there is plenty to watch and loads of entertainment happening in and around the course over several days.

The Melbourne Marathon festival takes place in mid-October.

Australian Open Tennis

Unless you’re a world-class tennis player, this is another sporting event for the travelling spectator.

In January each year, Melbourne hosts one of the big 4 Grand Slam Tennis Championships – The Australian Open.

The world’s best players converge on the southern city to compete for tennis glory, and there’s no better place to be than courtside.

Like everything that happens in Melbourne, the Australian Open is accompanied by a huge party atmosphere. When play is over for the day, you can spend your evenings enjoying fine dining, taking in a show, attending a music festival, or joining one of the many parties around town.

Melbourne is well known for a lot of things, but one thing it’s most famous for is a sport.