The run for everyone
Published on 14 April 2023
Whether you’re a serious runner, simply want to enjoy a nice glass of wine while lounging with the family and a movie, or you’re somewhere in between, the Richard Hamilton Wines McLaren Vale Marathon has you covered.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday 29–30 April, the event is much more than a running race.
It features a 5km, 10km, half-marathon, marathon, and kids’ mile run, with generous cut-off times to cater to all abilities, and a spread-out schedule to ensure not everyone’s running at the same time.
The event also boasts a weekend-long artisan and produce market, outdoor cinema, kids’ activities and entertainment, and food trucks—all set among the stunning vineyards of a world-renowned wine region.
“We’re really looking to build a major destination race that attracts runners from across the country and overseas,” says race director, Matt Evans, of Great Southern Runs.
“We also want to make it an event for local South Australian runners and the local community, with something for everyone—even if they’re not running.”
Matt’s vision for the race, which was first held in 2021 but was put on hold last year due to COVID-19 uncertainty, has been supported by a City of Onkaparinga 2023 Major Festival and Events Grant. This has allowed him to invest in significant targeted interstate marketing, and local promotion of the event’s non-running activities.
Aside from helping the event grow and become financially sustainable, Matt says the grant is helping to deliver broader tourism and economic benefits to the region.
“An event that inspired me to create the McLaren Vale Marathon was the Great Ocean Road Running Festival [in Victoria], which similarly runs across a weekend, attracting about 7500 runners,” he explains.
“I think the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is every bit as beautiful as the Great Ocean Road, probably with even more variety and things to do.
“Our first event in 2021 saw us contribute more than 800 bed nights and $140,000 in visitor spending in Onkaparinga on things like accommodation, meals and winery tours, and that was just from 1000 runners.
“If we can grow the event to 3000, 4000 or 5000 runners, then obviously the benefits to the local tourism and hospitality industry will be quite considerable.”
The marathon is one of seven events to receive a City of Onkaparinga Major Festival and Events Grant in 2023, alongside 25 smaller events that have received a Community Events Grant.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were says this combined $186,000 investment not only benefits the local community through a stacked, inclusive, and diverse what’s on calendar across the region, it’s also helping put Onkaparinga on the map further afield.
MORE INFORMATION
mclarenvalemarathon.com.au
onkaparingacity.com/grants
onkaparingacity.com/events