Leading National Brands Sign on as Naming Rights Partners of Geelong's Inaugural Running Festival.
The Geelong Running Festival has today announced three major naming rights partnerships, headlined by Zeekr, RedZed and Henley Homes across the festival's flagship race events.
Zeekr will serve as naming rights partner of the Zeekr Marathon (42.2km), RedZed of the RedZed Half Marathon (21.1km), and Henley Homes of the Henley Homes Community 6.5km Run.
The partnerships mark a significant vote of confidence from three leading national brands in the inaugural event, which takes place across Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026 in Geelong, Victoria.
"As Race Director, I'm incredibly excited to welcome Zeekr, RedZed and Henley Homes as naming rights partners of the Geelong Running Festival. Their commitment to supporting health, community and major events has helped us elevate the festival to a new level and will play a key role in delivering an outstanding experience for thousands of participants."
"To have three respected brands aligned with our marquee events, the Zeekr Marathon, RedZed Half Marathon and Henley Homes Community 6.5km Run, is a tremendous endorsement of our vision to create one of Australia's premier running festivals,” said Lee Troop, Race Director, Geelong Running Festival.
The Marathon, Half Marathon, Wheelchair Half Marathon and Community Run all take place on Sunday 20 September, with the Kids Race and All Abilities 1-Mile Race kicking off the festival on Saturday 19 September.
The Geelong Running Festival has been designed to showcase the very best of the region, taking runners through a course that winds past some of Geelong's most beloved landmarks, including Steampacket Gardens, the Geelong Waterfront and Esplanade, Eastern Beach and Kardinia Park.
Registrations for the Geelong Running Festival are open now across all race events. Whether you're taking on your first marathon, chasing a half marathon personal best, or bringing the family out for the Community Run, the Geelong Running Festival has a place for you.
Register at www.geelongrunningfestival.com.au
Zeekr: Powering the Zeekr Marathon
As naming rights partner of the Zeekr Marathon, Zeekr brings its commitment to performance, innovation and endurance to one of the most demanding challenges in the sport.
The 42.2km course through Geelong's waterfront and parklands will test the limits of hundreds of runners, an ethos that aligns closely with the electric vehicle brand as it continues to grow its presence in Australia.
"As Zeekr expands its footprint in Australia, we're focused on partnering with events and organisations that reflect our values. The Geelong Running Festival is a perfect fit, and we're proud to be the naming rights partner of Geelong's inaugural marathon," said Frank Li, Managing Director, Zeekr Australia.
RedZed: Backing the RedZed Half Marathon
At 21.1km, the half marathon is no small undertaking. It's a distance that requires months of training, a clear goal and the discipline to see it through, all qualities that sit at the core of RedZed's identity as a lender that has long backed self-starters and the self-employed. As naming rights partner of the RedZed Half Marathon, RedZed will be with those runners every step of the way.
"Backing people who back themselves is what RedZed is all about. Half marathon runners live that every day, by committing, training, and turning up ready to deliver. We're proud to be part of their story at the Geelong Running Festival," said Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Natalie Irvine.
Henley Homes: Anchoring the Henley Homes Community 6.5km Run
The Henley Homes Community 6.5km Run is the heart of the Geelong Running Festival as an accessible, welcoming event for families, first-timers and community groups from across the Geelong region. For Henley Homes, a builder with deep roots across Victoria, it's a natural fit.
"We can't wait to run alongside the Geelong community in Geelong's first marathon - such a significant moment for the city. Through our support of the Henley Homes Community 6.5km Run, we're proud to be right there on the ground, not just as a sponsor, but as active participants in a community we've helped shape." said Tindi Sorbera, General Manager Marketing, Henley Homes.
Image: Geelong City Council Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj with Geelong Running Festival Ambassadors Nova Maulani-Hutchinson and Bradley White at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the festival's start line, pictured with Zeekr vehicles. Credit: Michael Chambers.
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