Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester joined 14,500 runners in this year’s Melbourne Marathon, marking his 19th time completing the event.
The Melbourne Marathon was first staged in 1978, when more than 2000 runners made their way from Frankston to the city along the Nepean Highway.
Mr Chester first competed in 2006, the last year the event began in Frankston, and went on to complete 10 consecutive marathons, qualifying for membership of the Spartans.
“Every year, the Melbourne Marathon attracts people from all walks of life, all running for different reasons,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a great personal challenge, but also an incredible celebration of fitness, endurance and community spirit.”
This year’s sold-out event attracted 50,000 participants across various distances, with all races finishing with a lap of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Mr Chester said one of the highlights of this year’s event was crossing paths with John Dobson, known affectionately as ‘Dobbo’, one of only three runners to have completed every Melbourne Marathon since 1978.
“We’ve bumped into each other a few times over the years so when I spotted Dobbo running on the other side of the road, I couldn’t resist crossing over for a quick selfie with the marathon legend,” Mr Chester said.
“Forty-seven marathons in a row — that’s an incredible achievement, and an inspiration to all of us who love the event.”
Mr Chester said he hadn’t ruled out making it 20 marathons in 2026.
“It’s certainly in the back of my mind but I’ll see how the recovery goes this time, it’s not getting any easier,” he said.
“But with Dobbo as an inspiration, age really is just a number.”
