Geelong turns into one of the best race towns in Victoria a few times a year. The Geelong Running Festival brings a marathon, half marathon and community 8km run through the city in September, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race takes over the streets in January, and Ironman 70.3 Geelong hits the water and roads in March.

If you've got a bib on, you're cheering from the sidelines, or you're just tagging along for the ride, here's how to fill the rest of your race weekend in Geelong, from the first coffee to the last celebratory beer.

Where to eat before and after your race

Race mornings start early, and Geelong's waterfront cafes know it. A run of spots along Eastern Beach and the Geelong waterfront open well before sunrise on event days, so you can get a coffee and something to eat before you're anywhere near a start line.

After the race is a different story. This is when you want a proper feed, a cold drink and somewhere to put your feet up. The waterfront precinct has you covered again here, with pubs and restaurants right along Eastern Beach and Steampacket Gardens serving everything from a big breakfast to a celebratory dinner.

Where to stay for race weekend

Staying close to the water makes race day a lot easier, whether you're trying to walk to the start line without a 6am Uber or you just want to fall into bed after 21.1km.

Most of Geelong's race-friendly accommodation sits within walking distance of Eastern Beach, Steampacket Gardens and the waterfront precinct, which covers the start and finish for the Geelong Running Festival, Ironman 70.3 Geelong and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Options range from hotel rooms with bay views to apartment-style stays if you're travelling as a family or a group.

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Make a weekend of it

Race day is one day. If you've made the trip down from Melbourne or further afield, it's worth turning it into a full weekend.

The day before the race: Wander the Geelong waterfront, check out the shops, restaurants and cafes around Little Malop Street, or take in the Geelong Sports Museum or National Wool Museum if you want something indoors.

If you're recovering after the race: the region is good for this too. A short drive gets you to the You Yangs for an easy walk with a view back over Geelong, or you can head to The Bellarine for a slower afternoon around Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale or Barwon Heads. An early morning swim in the bay or on the coast.

If you've got family or friends who aren't racing: golf courses, Adventure Park and family activities are all a short drive from the city, so there's plenty to keep the rest of the crew busy.

Racing, riding or cheering, Geelong's waterfront makes a good base for all of it. Check the official event websites for exact dates and details, or head to our What's On page for upcoming events in Geelong and The Bellarine.

Race weekend in Geelong: where to eat, stay and celebrate

Geelong Running Festival

IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong

Where to eat before and after your race

BROWN DELI

Franca's Ristorante

Fishermen's Pier

Justin Lane Geelong

Edge Geelong

Pavilion Geelong

THE RAW

Sailors' Rest

Tempo Kitchen and Bar

Wharf Shed

Where to stay for race weekend

Regional Escapes

Crowne Plaza Geelong

Timber Door Luxury Accommodation

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

Geelong Surf Coast Highway Holiday Park

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong

Comfort Inn Geelong

Abbotswood Motor Inn

Novotel Geelong

Tasman Holiday Parks - Geelong

Rydges Geelong

Eden Oak Geelong Hotel

Quest Geelong Central

Parkside Motel Geelong

Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments

Oaks R Suites Geelong

Make a weekend of it

Geelong & Surrounds

The Bellarine

Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale

Avalon & You Yangs

Things to do

Eat & Drink

Walks & Hikes

Beaches & Waterways

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