More than 30000 runners take to city streets for Melbourne Marathon - Herald Sun

Runners cross over the Princess Bridge with the CBD in the background. Picture: Tony Gough Source: News Corp Australia

MORE than 30,000 runners have been pounding the pavement in this morning’s Melbourne Marathon.

A picturesque sunrise greeted the runners who flooded the city’s streets before the main 42km event got under way at 7am.

Professional athletes, celebrities, fitness fanatics and charity fundraisers were among those competing in the maratho, half-marathon, 10km and 5km runs.

Dominic Pius Ondoro from Kenya crosses the line to win the 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Kenyan Dominic Ondoro defended his 2013 men’s Melbourne Marathon title with a hard-fought win ahead of Eritrea’s Tewelde Estifanos Hidru.

He finished in a time of 2:11:30, just outside the race record he set last year of 2:10:47.

Athletes take off during the start of the 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Melbourne’s own Nikki Chapple won the women’s marathon in a personal best time of 2:31:05.

Ten “Spartan legends” were competing in their 37th consecutive Melbourne Marathon, which is now Australia’s biggest marathon, taking competitors past some of the city’s most famous locations before finishing outside the MCG.

Athletes run across William Barak Bridge during the 10km event at 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Runners were expected to gulp down more than 50,000 litres of water as the day warms towards a top of 27C.

Event director Greg Hooton said this year’s event had a strong focus on “community spirit” and runners supporting each other.

Atheletes run up Batman Ave after the start 2014 Melbourne Half Marathon event. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Several roads are closed until about 1pm, including Batman Ave, Brunton Ave and St Kilda Rd, while public transport services are also affected.

tom.minear@news.com.au

Matt Shirvington after running the Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Mike Keating

Runners pass police as they turn off Flinders St heading towards Princess Bridge. Picture: Tony Gough

Support comes from the Melbourne Cheer Leading Academy from sideline as runners pass. Picture: Tony Gough

There’s a bear out there. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Elite athletes take off during the start of the 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

Atheletes run up Batman Ave after the start half marathon event. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Before the start of the full marathon. Picture; Tony Gough