Run Melbourne goes virtual

The sound of 20,000 runners descending on the street of Docklands will not be heard this year as Run Melbourne takes its iconic winter running festival online.

Sole Motive, the family-owned event organisers behind Run Melbourne, were forced to postpone plans for this year’s run on Sunday, July 25, due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the event expected to resume in 2022.

However, with the running component of the festival adjourned until next year, would-be participants have been encouraged to hit streets of their own to continue fundraising efforts, with Sole Motive extending the associated fundraising campaign for its participants until September 19, 2021.

CEO of Sole Motive Lisa Holmes, a committed member of the running community, expressed deep disappointment with postponing Run Melbourne for a second year.

“This is an incredibly challenging time for not only the Sole Motive team and our running community, but also to the to the events industry of suppliers, event staff, partners, charities and other key stakeholders,” she said.

“One of the greatest things about Run Melbourne, aside from raising funds for charities close to our hearts, is the ability to come together as a community.”

Participants have until Sunday, August 1 to join in on the virtual fundraising efforts to help Run Melbourne’s 2021 target of $1 million.

Race day photos can be shared across social media with the tags @runmelbourne #runmelbourne2021 •

For more information: runmelbourne.com.au