Conquering the Ballarat Marathon: Course Insights & Tips for Race Day with Brady Threlfall

Preparing for the Ballarat Marathon? Whether it's your first or you're chasing a PB, combining general marathon wisdom with course-specific knowledge is key. Brady Threlfall Run2PB Coach and Co-Founder has some insights about the Ballarat course to help you prepare for race day. Brady finished 2nd last year running a PB of 2:19:40, and will be lining up again this weekend.

Nail Your Race Plan

• Pacing is Paramount: Have a clear pacing strategy before you start. The Ballarat course is known for being flatter and faster for 2025, but still requires respect. Stick to your plan, especially in the early stages down Sturt Street and through Victoria Park. Don't get carried away too early.

• Fueling Strategy: Know your nutrition plan. Decide on your gels, how often you'll take them, and familiarize yourself with the aid station locations (there are many!) offering water and sports drinks. Practice this during your long runs. Nothing new on race day!

• Break It Down: Mentally divide the two-lap course into smaller sections. Think about tackling Sturt Street, navigating Victoria Park, the loop around scenic Lake Wendouree, and heading back through town. Focusing on the next landmark is less daunting than the full 42.2km.

  
  

Prepare Like a Pro

• Know the Course: While flatter for 2025 (no tough uphill finish!), understand the flow: the start/finish on Sturt St, the turns within Victoria Park, and the potentially windy 6km loop around Lake Wendouree on roads (not the gravel path). If possible, check out the course beforehand.

• Ballarat Weather: April in Ballarat can be cool, crisp, and ideal for running, but be prepared for potential cold, wind, or even rain. Practice in similar conditions if possible and lay out kit options. Dress appropriately on race day – layers might be useful.

• Practice Your Routine: Rehearse your entire race morning – from wake-up time and breakfast to gear and travel to the Sturt Street start line. Consider staying locally the night before to minimise race-day stress.

• Minimize Pre-Race Stress: In the 24-36 hours before the gun goes off, try to relax. Keep things simple and calm. Have your gear ready and your plan finalised.

Master the Race Itself

• Expect Tough Patches: Every marathon has challenging moments. Be mentally prepared for them. Knowing they might happen makes them easier to manage.

• Use the Crowds & Pacers: Feed off the energy along Sturt Street and around the Lake. Utilize the official pacers (running to chip time) to help maintain your goal pace, especially if you're aiming for a specific time.

• Work Together, Especially in Wind: The loop around Lake Wendouree can be exposed and windy. Try to run within a group or work with others to shelter from the wind and conserve energy.

• Coping Strategies: Have mental tricks ready for when things get tough. Focus on your form, use a mantra, or dedicate sections to supporters.

• Enjoy the Journey: Remember to soak in the atmosphere! Running through historic Ballarat streets, past landmarks like the Arch of Victory, and around the picturesque lake with great community support is a unique experience.

Bonus Tip

• Don't Panic Over Pre-Race Jitters: It's normal to feel a little nervous before race day. Trust your training and focus on feeling great on the actual day.

Combine this course knowledge with solid preparation, and you'll be well on your way to a great Ballarat Marathon experience. Good luck!

Watch Brady in action at last years Ballarat Marathon .

Brady Threlfall is the Co-Founder and a Coach at Run2PB, where he helps athletes achieve their running potential. An elite marathon runner himself and co-host of the Inside Running Podcast, Brady combines high-level experience with practical coaching strategies.