HOKA Pit Stop at Melbourne Marathon

Overview

If you're about to pound pavement for the Melbourne Marathon — or supporting someone who is — swing through the HOKA Pit Stop before heading to the start line. Designed as a performance-focused service station, this personalised experience is geared toward getting every participant and their crew race-ready. It's taking over the Observatory Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens from Thursday, October 8–Saturday, October 10.

Drawing more than a little inspiration from the pit lane, the pop-up begins at the diagnostic bay, where runners jog into an on-site hub for product try-ons and chats. Then, it's over to the performance refuel zone, where you're welcome to top up your tank with treats and drinks from local partner cafes and bakeries. Alongside a DIY customisation station — where athletes can personalise their own HOKA tote bag — you'll to the start line feeling extra inspired to smash your PB, or at least reach the finish line.

Throughout the three-day experience, local crews host daily community runs. From 5.45pm on Thursday, Can't Run Can Coffee and Stylerunner lead a women's-only community night. Then, on Friday, link up with The Running Company and Achilles Melbourne bright and early, or join One Step At A Time for easy-paced runs. On Saturday, LilBig Run Club and Nobody Run Club get your weekend started with a community morning from 7am.

Building towards the main event — that being the Melbourne Marathon — on Sunday, October 11, the HOKA Pit Stop also has plenty of giveaways from brand partners, including Rokeby, Gem and PILLAR Performance. Plus, live DJ sets bring even more upbeat atmosphere to the Royal Botanic Gardens ahead of perhaps the city's most active annual event.

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Images: Supplied.