The Medibank Melbourne Marathon is to be held today, with several CBD and inner city streets closed for the annual event.

Several races are to be held, with full marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometre and 5.7 kilometre running events. A 3 kilometre walk is also held for those who wish to participate at a slower pace.

The race is held in conjunction with a fundraising program, with proceeds being donated to CPEC, the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre, which aims to give children with cerebral palsy more independent standards of living.

(Image: Athletics Australia)

Held every year since 1978, the full length marathon usually begins in or around Frankston in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, and finishes either at the arts precinct on St Kilda Road, or in Albert Park. Wikipedia notes that last year’s Melbourne marathon was the largest Australian marathon in history with 6218 finishers.

A fixture in the world marathon and athletics calendar, security will likely be tighter this year after a bombing incident at the Boston marathon in the USA in March.

Motorists are advised to avoid this year’s route, with a list of specific road closures and times found here. For more information about the Melbourne Marathon, please visit the event’s website.