Canberra Marathon
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Canberra marathon is a standard 42,195m / 26.2 mile marathon around the Australian capital city. The marathon was established in 1976 is said to be the oldest city marathon in Australia. It takes place early in April each year, and is comprises a festival of races, with a 10km race on a Saturday, and the main marathon and extended or ultra marathon the following day.
The marathon starts at Telopea park school in the suburb of Manuka, which is within sight of the new Australian Parliament. The route consists of a 10km lap around the old and new parliament buildings and other major government buildings, followed by a double lap crossing Lake Burley Griffin and out towards the Glenloch interchange, which is within close proximity to the Telstra tower landmark. A course map may be obtained from the organisers homepage.
Runners who complete 10 Canberra marathons are given the honorary title of Griffin, in reference to the lake Burley Griffin, which is at the centre of the marathon and the city of Canberra. The marathon is small in comparison to other big city races with just 866 people completing the 2006 event. It is worth noting that the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is located in Canberra.
