From world record suits to beer cars and baby comebacks, the 2025 Melbourne Marathon Festival was a celebration of everything that makes running in this city special — determination, humour, community and heart.
“No Can Is Limited” — Beer on Wheels
Spectators along St Kilda Road did a double-take when they saw Kent Ohori charging along dressed as a can of Better Beer — or rather, inside one. The publicity stunt for the zero-alcohol brand carried a tongue-in-cheek slogan, “No Can Is Limited”, a playful nod to Eliud Kipchoge’s iconic “No Human Is Limited” mantra. Ohori’s run embodied the festival spirit perfectly — equal parts effort and entertainment.
Marathon in a Suit — and a World Record to Match
Sticking to the beer theme, in an achievement equal parts absurd and astonishing, Jason Hunt bettered the Guinness Book of Records mark for the Fastest Marathon in a Suit, clocking an incredible 2:38:20. Hunt bettered the previous record of 2:39:57 set earlier this year at the London Marathon by Rui Yong Soh.
The official criteria is strict: runners must wear a full three-piece suit, including jacket, waistcoat, trousers, shirt, tie, and socks, with the top button done up for the entire race. While running shoes are permitted, no part of the suit can be removed. Hunt’s run redefined what it means to dress for success.
Footy Stars on the Run
Melbourne Football Club captain Max Gawn swapped the ruck for running shoes, completing the 10km in a solid 44:29.
Meanwhile, former AFL player with Melbourne and Port Adelaide, Jack Trengove — brother of Commonwealth Games marathon champion Jess Stenson — ran 2:32:26 in the marathon, smashing the previous best mark by a former AFL player. The record had belonged to Kane Cornes, who clocked 2:34:31 in 2021.
Mothers on the Move
The women’s races also told powerful stories of resilience and remarkable returns.
Three-time Olympian Genevieve Gregson made her comeback to racing just three and a half months after giving birth to her second child, finishing fifth in the half marathon in 74:45.
And it was another inspiring mother and athlete, Tokyo marathon Olympian Ellie Pashley, who claimed victory in the women’s 10km in 33:41, just seven months after welcoming her second child in March.
For a recap of the elite action at the Melbourne Marathon Festival, including a course record in the half marathon by Izzy Batt-Doyle, check out a pictorial recap on our sister site, Inside Athletics.
200 Marathons and Counting
For George Dyer, a stalwart of Knox Athletics Club, the day was not about records or returns, but longevity and milestones. Dyer completed his 200th marathon, crossing the line in 3:33:51 in unassuming manner. A fitting tribute to a lifetime of endurance and community spirit.
From elite efforts to fancy dress feats, the Melbourne Marathon once again captured the full spectrum of what running means in Australia: commitment, camaraderie, and a little bit of comedy along the way.
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