Sport
27 February, 2026
Record numbers for run festival
LAST weekend’s Port Fairy Marathon and Running Festival attracted a record number of entries across the five events.
According to organisers, 1003 runners registered for the half marathon alone – breaking previous records.
Amid the large field of athletes, Reece Edwards – winner of the 2023 Melbourne Marathon – made it back to back Port Fairy titles when he once again took line honours in the marathon, completing the course in a time of two hours, 21 minutes and 58 seconds.
He was followed in second place by Jason Daye (2:37:25), with Nick Kenville rounding out the top three finishes in a time of 2:38:44.
The first female runner to finish the marathon was Siobhan Sefton in a time of 2:50:10.
She was followed three minutes later by Fleur Barling, with Hedda Cooper in third.
The half marathon saw some great results recorded, with Toby Menday home first in a time of 1:08:59 followed by Colm Fitzgerald just 11 seconds later, with Kurt McDonald third.
Ned Verwey was the first home in the 10km event, followed by Ben Warren and Tom Bourke.
In the five kilometre race, Occy Hayes finished in the quick time of 17 minutes, 16 seconds, followed home by William Versace and John Davies.
The 1.5 kilometre circuit was once again popular for runners and walkers of all ages.
Youngster Samuel Ryan was the first competitor across the finish line in a time of five minutes, 27 seconds.
He was followed just seven seconds later by Louis Kenna, with Ruben Mills the third entrant home in a time of five minutes, 44 seconds.
“We were absolutely thrilled with Sunday’s turnout; Port Fairy was buzzing all weekend with competitors travelling from every state and territory, as well as from overseas including New Zealand, China, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Singapore,” marketing director and committee member Amy Gibson said.
“The event continues to grow each year and remains a major fundraiser for the Port Fairy Consolidated School.”
Ms Gibson said the committee was grateful to the local community, businesses, more than 160 volunteers and all competitors across the five events for helping make the day such a success.
“The weather was humid but a brief shower just after the start of the marathon and half marathon provided welcome relief for runners,” she said.
“While no course records were broken, several elite runners including three-time marathon winner Reece Edwards and Warrnambool export and female marathon winner Siobhan Sefton, made good times.”
