2XU Wellness Run Review - Is it Worth Doing?

When it comes to running events in Melbourne, the 2XU Wellness Run has established itself as a standout on the annual calendar. You've probably got some friends that have run it, or you've come across some celebratory post-run snaps on Instagram.

Held on December 1st 2024, this event saw an impressive 13,500 runners hit the streets, offering something for everyone from seasoned athletes to casual participants. But is it worth adding to your own race calendar? Here's our take on the event, from its standout features to areas that could be improved.

The Course

One of the highlights of the 2XU Wellness Run is its scenic course, which winds through some of Melbourne's most picturesque areas. Whether you’re running the shorter distances or tackling the half-marathon (marquee race), the views are spectacular and add to the overall enjoyment. It's a fairly flat course, so a solid opportunity to run a good time.

That said, weather conditions played a bit of a role this year, with a noticeable headwind affecting runners. While that’s obviously out of the organisers’ control, it’s something to be prepared for if you’re aiming for a PB.

The Atmosphere

(Photo by 02Events, Source: https://wellnessrun.com.au/gallery/2024-photos/)

If there’s one word to describe the atmosphere at this event, it’s electric. The organisers went above and beyond to create a carnival-like experience. From the energetic DJ beats to the 2XU pop-up store, and a Runly activation offering exclusive gear, there was plenty to keep runners and spectators entertained. Added bonuses like free massages and refreshing drinks from Rokeby ensured participants felt pampered, while activations around the event precinct kept the energy alive.

The way the event was setup really kept runners and spectators alike amongst the event village, which created a really fun environment. There's nothing worse than the event village being too big or too sparse and the crowd scurries away quickly.

The crowd seemed really keen to soak in the atmosphere, setup on the lawn and just hang out. Perhaps a band later in the morning or post-event would be a cool way to bring the experience to another level.

The Often-Overlooked Essentials: Toilets

It might not be the first thing you think about when signing up for a race, but toilets are often the unsung heroes of a successful event. Thankfully, the 2XU Wellness Run gets it right here, with a generous number of facilities. Whether you needed a quick pit stop before lining up or a breather after the race, the accessibility and availability of toilets made a huge difference.

The Community Feel

(Photo by 02Events, Source: https://wellnessrun.com.au/gallery/2024-photos/)

For a large event, the 2XU Wellness Run does a brilliant job of maintaining a community feel. It felt warm, welcoming, and refreshingly free from pretentiousness. There’s a real sense of camaraderie among participants, and it was heartening to see the event raise significant funds for Beyond Blue, an organisation that supports mental health. The organisers struck a perfect balance between catering to competitive runners and embracing a more inclusive vibe.

Parking Woes

One of the few downsides of the 2XU Wellness Run is the parking situation. Albert Park is a notoriously tricky area for parking, especially on busy event days. If you don’t mind a 15-minute walk, the Albert Park car park is an option, but street parking can be scarce unless you arrive early. It’s worth factoring this into your race-day planning to avoid unnecessary stress.

If possible, get dropped off, carpool or take public transport to avoid any stress or pre-race nerves.

Food & Coffee

When it comes to post-race recovery, the food and coffee options were on point. Iconic Melbourne brand St. Ali made an appearance with a pop-up, serving up exceptional coffee and bites that were a hit with runners and spectators alike. Other vendors offered a great mix of options, ensuring everyone could refuel with something delicious.

Room for Improvement

While the event was well-organised, a few small tweaks could take it to the next level. Signage for bib pickup and bag drop could be improved to make things clearer for first-time participants. Starting the music earlier to build pre-race hype would also be a welcome addition. These are minor improvements in the grand scheme of things and didn’t detract from what was overall a fantastic event.

Verdict: Is It Worth Doing?

Absolutely. The 2XU Wellness Run delivers on all fronts: a scenic course, a lively atmosphere, and thoughtful touches that make runners feel appreciated. The community vibe and commitment to supporting mental health through Beyond Blue add another layer of meaning to the event. With just a few minor adjustments, it could be near perfect. Whether you're aiming for a PB, looking for a fun day out, or keen to support a good cause, the 2XU Wellness Run is well worth signing up for.

You can find out more information about the 2XU Wellness Run here.