This was published 7 years ago
Melbourne City2Sea route highlights: Five great things you'll see on the way
By Jayne D'Arcy
One of the best things about the City2Sea's 15-kilometre and five-kilometre runs is that they're one-way races. There's no annoying doubling back; no heading down tree- and office-lined St Kilda Road knowing that you're going to have to run back the other way later. Instead, you can tick this run off in Melbourne landmarks – and there are plenty to see along the course.
1. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Start 0km
Many people don't know that there are two significant scar trees in Yarra Park, which surrounds the MCG. This country's first people carved out canoes from them, and those marks are still here, centuries later. This spot is also known for being the place where the first game of Australian Rules Football was played in 1858. Of course football and cricket continue to make "The G" a must-see destination. For sport inspo, check out Cathy Freeman's running suit (as famously worn at the 2000 Sydney Olympics) at the National Sports Museum (open 10am-5pm daily; MCG tours run from 10am-3pm).
2. Fed Square and Flinders Street Station
1km
There's nothing like running along Flinders Street listening to the soundtrack of thousands of sneakers hitting the road. It sure beats hearing the usual ding of trams and toots from cars. The faded golden yellow facade of Flinders Street Station, opened in 1910, always manages to look splendid, especially if the sun's hitting it. Though it's a bit early to check your race time on its famous clocks.
Federation Square, a popular place to meet up, is on your left. You can spend hours wandering around here: it's home to the modern National Gallery of Victoria Australia, as well as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), which focuses on Australia's film, television and digital culture.
3. Arts Centre Precinct
2km
Cross the "upside down" Yarra River (yeah, we know it's brown) and you'll see the recently slightly adjusted exterior of Hamer Hall as well as the 1980s Eiffel Tower-like Arts Centre Melbourne. A Makers' Market pops up along the walkway here from 10am-4pm on Sundays. Next you'll pass the National Gallery of Victoria International, which architect Sir Roy Grounds designed in 1958. It was completed 10 years later. Runners might be tempted to cool themselves, starfish-like, on the wall of water near the entrance, or in its moats; however, with 13 kilometres still to go, be like Dory and Just Keep Running.
A brief skip through parkland – and a glance at the temporary M Pavilion, this year designed by Studio Mumbai, an Indian-based practice – leads you to a fun tunnel run. Out of the dark, shimmy along for a rare look at the NGV's rear, before zooming up alongside the NGV's imposing wall. You're now on your way to sunny St Kilda via St Kilda Road.
Note: Those participating in the five-kilometre event head straight down Fitzroy Street from here (they miss out on a MCG start and a tunnel run, too) but for runners taking on the 15-kilometre course, prepare to Get Lakey.
4. Albert Park Lake
8km
By the time you see the black swans on the blue Albert Park Lake, you've run eight kilometres and are closer to the finish than the start. Woo hoo! Get your motor running: you're now zooming along the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. Each year, in and around March, this whole area is fenced off and dedicated to Formula One racing.
As you round Albert Park Lake, expect headwinds, palm trees, and pretty CBD views. In the distance, taking up some of the park precinct, is Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) which opened in 1997 and featured in the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
5. St Kilda Foreshore
Finish 15km
When you hit Fitzroy Street (again) you can practically see the palm trees swaying in Catani Gardens – aka The Finish! It's time to ignore the pain and sprint it home. Before you know it, you'll be entering Catani Gardens. Cool down with the sea breeze, and take in the festival excitement.
If you're up for a walk, head along the fantastic St Kilda Pier. Hurting? There's excellent "hot/cold" recovery action at the St Kilda Sea Baths (entry $13). Heat up in the large spa and run (OK, walk) down through the sand to Port Phillip Bay for a cold plunge. Repeat.
Hungry for something healthy? Acland Street in St Kilda has recently become a vegan and vegetarian hot spot – try Sister of Soul (No. 73) or Matcha Mylkbar with its vegan poached eggs (No. 72). You can get a vegan pizza at Mr Natural Vegetarian Pizza (233 Barkly Street). Or just go the famous cakes on Acland Street. You've probably earned them.
City2Sea is a Fairfax Media event. To sign up visit www.thecity2sea.com.au
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