On Track Nights: ZÁTOPEK:10
Last year's event was called "one of the best track meets" Australia's ever seen. This year's? Even better. Probably. With a DJ set by The Jungle Giants, the vibes are unbeatable.
What’s happening?
Melbourne, Australia’s unofficial sporting capital, is officially bringing the party back to the track. We’re partnering with Athletics Victoria to make one of Australia’s most historic meets even better.
We’re honouring tradition – ZÁTOPEK:10 has been around since 1961 – but we’re adding our own flair with a spectator bridge, beer tunnel, musical performance, free flash tattoos and plenty of food options to keep you fuelled all night long.
As well as the Australian 10,000m Championships, we’ve got 3,000m, 800m and 60m races, plus the pole vault and shot put. We'll also have a community event for runners of all abilities, a performance from The Jungle Giants (who have "over half a billion streams worldwide") and so much more.
The event is named after the legendary runner Emil Zatopek (you can find out why and discover his incredible legacy here) and takes place at Lakeside Stadium, on the northern side of the the iconic Albert Park lake.
It’s the last On Track Nights event of the 2024 season, and you know we’ve saved the best 'til last.
Who’s going to be there?
With the National 10,000m Championships at stake, you can expect to see all of Australia’s fastest 10K runners. Plus a host of national and international track talent from the On Athletics Club and beyond.
Last year, we saw three gutsy OAC victories from Bendere Oboya, Claudia Hollingsworth and Maudie Skyring despite the downpour. How many more OAC wins will we see this time?
The rain didn't slow down Lauren Ryan or Jack Rayner either. In 2023, Ryan won her first national 10,000m title and Rayner claimed a three-peat win. His meet record from 2022 (27:15.35) still stands. Can a new name earn bragging rights in 2024?
As if that weren't enough, two of last year's best-loved events, the shot put and pole vault, are back again.
Where is it?
Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park, Melbourne
When is it?
Saturday, 14 December 2024 from 2 p.m.
Confirmed timetable
2:00 p.m. Community 5K Run 3:20 p.m. 3,000m – Female U15 & U16 3:40 p.m. 3,000m – Male U15 & U16 3:57 p.m. 3,000m – Female U17 & U18 4:17 p.m. 3,000m – Male U17 & U18 4:37 p.m. 3,000m – Female U20 B 4:57 p.m. 3,000m – Male U20 B 5:00 p.m. Steve Hooker Pole Vault Challenge 5:17 p.m. 4x400m Victorian Open Relay – Male 5:31 p.m. 4x400m Victorian Open Relay – Female 5:48 p.m. 60 Metre Victorian Championship – Female Heats 6.00 p.m. 60 Metre Victorian Championship – Male Heats 6:22 p.m. U20 De Castella 3000m – Male 6:39 p.m. 800m – Female 6:49 p.m. U20 Ondieki 3000m – Female 7.00 p.m. Shot Put Challenge 7:08 p.m. 800m – Male 7:18 p.m. 3,000m – Female 7:34 p.m. 3,000m – Male 7.45 p.m. ZÁTOPEK:10 – Female 8:36 p.m. 60m Victorian Championship – Female Final 8:43 p.m. 60m Victorian Championship – Male Final 8:55 p.m. ZÁTOPEK:10 – Male 9:30 p.m. The Jungle Giants DJ Set
Where can I get tickets?
You can buy tickets here - if you want to take part in the community run, make sure to click the Z:10 GA + Community 5km Run option.
Please note that entires to the community run are limited and there is a one hour time cap.
Can I watch online?
Yes, there will be a live broadcast on YouTube. We’ll post the link here when we can.
