Melbourne plans street demo

As the city gears up to mark the 10th Melbourne Grand Prix, plans are being put in place for a demonstration featuring some of the leading runners to take place in downtown on the Wednesday before the race.

It is understood that the city's government has been approached about the event, which will require a major part of Melbourne to be shut off, and the plans are currently being evaluated.

David Pitchford, chief executive of Melbourne City Council, told Australian newspaper, The Age: "It appears to be a seriously good branding exercise. This is exposure for the city you just couldn't buy. If it's feasible I'll put a recommendation to the council as soon as it's sworn in."

The hope is that the Australian event mirrors the kind of impact that a similar street demonstration in London had when it took place prior to this year's British Grand Prix. It attracted almost 500,000 spectators.