Celebrating Victory at the Melbourne Marathon!

When Victory Grigg ran the Melbourne Marathon in 2022, she faced some gruelling challenges, met wonderful people, and felt a huge sense of achievement. You can feel the same kind of achievement this year – join thousands of other runners and register for the 2023 Melbourne Marathon!

Thanks to her crowdfunding efforts, Victory also raised $750 for vulnerable children and young people – funds that have been used to help improve the lives of children who have experienced abuse, neglect and violence.

Victory is no stranger to marathons and fun runs, taking part in many runs in her life including Bridge to Brisbane, the Bloody Long Walk, and Run in the Dark. Although COVID-19 got in the way of her plans to run the Melbourne Marathon in 2020, she was undaunted, and finished the 2022 marathon, receiving a medal in recognition that she’d crossed the finish line.

We chatted to Victory about her experience...

1. What inspired you to support Berry Street in the Melbourne Marathon in 2022?

As I was scrolling through Instagram, Berry Street advertised the Melbourne Marathon. I clicked through the link to discover the great work you guys are doing and made the decision to sign up and raise money for the cause.

2. What were your highlights from the event?

Finishing despite the cramps at the halfway mark was a highlight. I also met some pretty great people along the way. I met a fellow runner when I got to the halfway mark, who accompanied me the rest of the way and encouraged me to push on until the end.

3. How did it feel to finish the marathon?

Receiving my medal was a statement of finishing and that was the best I could have asked for. I ran a marathon the previous year, but in 2022 when I ran for Berry Street, I beat that time by 47 minutes, so I felt accomplished and very proud of myself for finishing the race, knowing that it was a personal best and I had made a huge improvement despite the circumstances of Covid and lockdowns.

4. What did you find was the most effective way to raise these funds?

I used social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram but the most effective way to raise money was through my work. I found that 90% of the funds were donated by work colleagues.

We totally agree, Victory! Thank you so much to Victory and all the other Team Bery Street runners who raised funds in the Melbourne Marathon last year and helped to make life a little easier for children and young people.

If you’ve ever thought about running a marathon, now is the time to register, before the price rises on 26 July. Don’t delay – register below.