166 replies to this topic

[wombatoutofhell]

During the coffee and muffins at the end of last weekends Rat Run, the idea was put forward that those of us who missed the earlier course for the Melbourne Marathon might like to run it and see what it was like.  The discussion that followed had many ideas put forth and a bit of a debate on which course exactly.  The next step was to see if there was any interest in the idea-hence this thread.  Somehow I was elected to put out the feelers.
For the course I think the original 1977/78 course would be too diffucult to run today.  That route was from Delacombe Park in Frankston and went straight up the Nepean Highway, St Kilda Rd to the Melbourne Town Hall.  With all the traffic, side streets and running into the city itself I think this would be slow and painful.  Delacombe Park is also nowhere near easy public transport.  This is important as we have to get back somehow.
I would be more inclined to adapt a course similar to that of the early eightys.  This started at the One Mile Bridge (also not near the trains-something to think about) and went up the Nepean Highway and turned onto Beach Rd at Moriallioc, and went upto Fitzroy St, then left at St Kilda Junction.  The finish was under the Spire at the Arts Centre. (Thanks Digger for the info).
There were many suggestions put forward-running in retro gear (anyone got a Big M marathon t shirt still?), having a refuel at a coffee shop 1/2 way (good for people who only want to run a 1/2, be it the first 1/2 or second 1/2.  Not bad for those after a leisurely run to have a break either), using it to raise money for a charity (open for suggestions on this one-maybe a gold coin donation to the official Melbourne Marathon charity which is CPEC - Cerebral Palsy Education Centre) and it was even suggested to see if Big M would like to donate something.  That may be a bad idea as this would have to be a fatass run-I cant see any way we could get official approval for an event like this as we are using public footpaths and roads.
Time wise is difficult as the calendar is pretty full and we don't want to compete with other runs.  Early to mid December was suggested which might suit ok as these days it's still fairly cool in the morning at that time of year.  Of course if it's hot we're in for some hard times as there's not alot of shade!  We'd start about 7:30 Am I'd think and do the run, most would finish in 4 to 5 hours and we could finish up with lunch somewhere in town before catching a train back to where we left our cars in Frankston, assuming that's what we did.
Ok-now so far Maryclaire, Staypuff, Grizzlybear, Shortarse, Running Sweetlee, cRJrun, spectre, kevin cassidy and Digger have all expressed interest.  Digger said he'd try and get some of the Spartans to come along as well.  He also suggested we might want to revisit history by re enacting the annual training run Percy Cerruty used to do from Portsea to Melbourne (about 100 to 110km I'd guess) but that's another thread and another day!
Who's interested and are there any suggestions?

[Rudolf]

I have a question - roads vs bike path vs beach.

I would be intersted if teh run was as much as possible on the beach or bike path along the beach and not on the roads.

I know thats not the history, but to me teh atrraction is teh running the beach all the way towards teh city, do not care about exact ditance about finishing place etc.

I would see it not as the sentimental historical thingy, butr as a creation of something new as a future as a run away from trafic with good possibilty to run barefoot on the edge of the water.

Having said trhat, I am not that familiar with the whole lenght of the shoreline so do not know if this is possible or how many section there would be to be forced of the beach, I am just hoping it is possible without stepping on the road.


I would also be intersted if this was done in oposite direction starting from Flinders street station, possibly as a night run.

[wombatoutofhell]

Funnily enough Rudi I was wondering about doing it as a night run while I was trying to sleep last night.  No problems with sunburn and cooler and also something different.  Bikepaths were suggested but I have no idea how far they go.  I'd be riding the course for a look before we put in a proper plan anyway-right now we're just gauging ideas and interest.
Thanks for the imput.

[Rudolf]

heavenlywombat, I remeber some runners suggesting the oposite night run just to get to the start of The F2P on time  

[maryclaire]

I am keen to be involved in some way - either as a runner or support.  I am away for all of December/Jan so timing would determine whether I am in or not.  Also, too soon off the back of MM would probably have me only do the 1/2 or else some form of support for runners on the day.  I await with interest further details...

Oh yeah - and WOOH - as for you "somehow" being elected to get this thing up and running (pun!) - I do recall that this was your brainchild!  All credit of course should this be a success should go to you.  All blame if it's not  

[runron]

I'd be keen to do; good to have a run starting in Frankston - will watch this thread.  only a half for me though.

Runron

[pbig]

Quote

... before catching a train back to where we left our cars in Frankston, assuming that's what we did

... and assuming the cars, complete with wheels, are still where you left them .

I don't think I'd be able to fit it in for Nov/Dec anyway, but perhaps the finish up Beaconsfield Pde, Kerferd Road, Canterbury Road and into Albert Park may be an option?

Beach would be interesting (and tough) where possible, but there'd be a lot of up & down and off & on for creeks, rocky points, yacht clubs, etc..

[running sweetlee]

I love the idea of participating in this event   Now if all goes well with my half debut at the MM, I would be interested in doing "another" half.  Not sure about December though as we usually have heaps of commitments on top of all the Christmas stuff.... I seriously hate December  

[flick]

Coffee, muffins and more run plotting!

Sounds like fun too me, probably more interested in the second half myself.

November 30th Great Australian Run
December 7th Sussan
December 14th Sri Chinmoy Williamstown

December 21st??

Anyone doing anything Christmas day???? I reckon I could sneak out between present opening and annual family christmas brawl!

[wombatoutofhell]

A date is a problem-I'd forgotten Sri Chinmoy.  I knew about the Sussan but wouldn't worry too much about it except they are using part of our course!  Still we are going to have to clash somewhere unless we go for January which I think will be too hot.  November is probably too soon after the real Melbourne Marathon to run a fake one.  Personally I'd like April/May but then we clash with other event's I'd be likely to do myself!

[M12]

New Years Eve?

I'm interstate anyway.

[Black Hole]

wombatoutofhell, on Sep 8 2008, 03:05 PM, said:

I would be more inclined to adapt a course similar to that of the early eightys.  This started at the One Mile Bridge (also not near the trains-something to think about) and went up the Nepean Highway and turned onto Beach Rd at Moriallioc, and went upto Fitzroy St, then left at St Kilda Junction.  The finish was under the Spire at the Arts Centre. (Thanks Digger for the info).

This was the course from '84 to '90  , the early 80's  ie 81 to 83 actually left beach road and went up Charman rd and Balcome rd back to beach rd (I remember some nice hills in this section!) . '81 actually finished at the Town Hall.

[running sweetlee]

I wouldn't be able to do it on New's Years Day......... June?

[wombatoutofhell]

running sweetlee, on Sep 10 2008, 02:59 AM, said:

I wouldn't be able to do it on New's Years Day......... June?

Run Melbourne 1/2 in june and Gold Coast marathon early july

[Rudolf]

how about stick with the DEC and combine it with CR Xmass party

[Rudolf]

flick, on Sep 9 2008, 08:15 PM, said:

December 14th Sri Chinmoy Williamstown

starting on 13th evening should get everybody on time to Willi for morning start  

nice 50 miler ?  

[Rudolf]

staypuff, on Sep 10 2008, 08:32 AM, said:

Make it jan 27th my birthday or the day before it which is Australia day

what ?

and I was hoping You will run with me to Mt Buller

[Pink Lady]

staypuff, on Sep 8 2008, 04:56 PM, said:

Im very keen on the idea of doing the original percy cerruty run if someone has info on directions i did talk to wombat about this in the car.. ... so if someone knows the original percy course let me know maybe i can tie it in with frankston to portsea next year somehow though that would mean night running.. Will start a new thread for that one

As far as I remember it the original course was very simple - not so may road option in those day anyway
- you start from the camp (Back Beach Rd) - running the first few miles along Hotham Rd (used to be sand) and then Melbourne Rd to Rye
- after that you just kept the bay on your left hand side and the land on your right hand side until you got to St Kilda (or sometimes Kerferd Rd)
- usually finishing up on the south side of the Tan because many of the group (including Percy) lived in or around Sth Yarra

Edited by Pink Lady, 10 September 2008 - 01:37 PM.

[DiJ]

I'm keen too.  I ran MM in 2003 when it was changed back from Frankston to Melbourne, followed the path pbig mentioned.  I did a training run from Frankston to Elwood beforehand and there is a footpath the whole way until it becomes the bike track.  It might be a bit narrow along the Nepean going through Chelsea etc. to stay on the footpath, no different I guess to the CCT.  Not sure I'd want to run on the beach, its hard enough running on sand at the best of times, let alone doing a marathon.  Besides at that time of the year there's too many people out and about with dogs etc. so there'd be heaps of obstacles to avoid.  I agree with Staypuf, Wombat, just pick a date you're never going to please everyone.

[aura111]

Sorry for pedantic post and a bit off topic but this is one close to my heart so have to set things straight:

I think Wombat wrote official MM charity was CF, I think it's actually CPEC which stand for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre - a world leading service for kids with CP who do nothing short of amazing things in their lives, and those of their families; and I believe they also rely exclusively on donations to continue doing what they do - so give until it hurts ok as you know every cent will be making a positive difference. Thanks for your time.

Edited by aura111, 10 September 2008 - 02:13 PM.

[wombatoutofhell]

aura111, on Sep 10 2008, 02:10 PM, said:

Sorry for pedantic post and a bit off topic but this is one close to my heart so have to set things straight:

I think Wombat wrote official MM charity was CF, I think it's actually CPEC which stand for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre - a world leading service for kids with CP who do nothing short of amazing things in their lives, and those of their families; and I believe they also rely exclusively on donations to continue doing what they do - so give until it hurts ok as you know every cent will be making a positive difference. Thanks for your time.

This is what happens when you start a thread after midnight after a big day-you make stupid mistakes.  Thanks Aura-CPEC it is.

[aura111]

wombatoutofhell, on Sep 10 2008, 02:27 PM, said:

This is what happens when you start a thread after midnight after a big day-you make stupid mistakes.  Thanks Aura-CPEC it is.

No problem. I respect the Wombat! Though they are notorious for being slightly muddled headed; they are also tenacious and tough characters     

No doubt we are all going to need those kind of qualities at about the 35km mark on Oct 12th.

[Morley]

I ran the last one in 2006. Started at mile bridge and up Nepean HWY to Mordialoc and then Beach rRoad all the way to Fitzroy Street. Half was was just past Rickets Point. Up Fitzroy Street to St Kilda Road and then finish under the Arts Centre Spire.

I still have nightmares. I mostly walked the last 6K and till got a PB. Oh what could have been. I still suffer the 4Hr+ nightmares. Oh the pain of it all. Thank God they changed the course. Cheers.

[Pink Lady]

staypuff, on Sep 10 2008, 12:32 AM, said:

Pink lady thanks fro that i dont think you can stay on the esplnade all the way through mtmartha etc no path and nasty cars

I would be really surprised if things were the same as 40+ years ago through that section of what has become very popular real estate - more people - more cars - more ... This will be particularly true if you are thinking of running this during the 'holiday season'

[M12]

Is anyone keen to run this say sometime in June/July?

[wombatoutofhell]

Not a bad idea M12-I'd lost interest in this due to me not running but should be ok by then I hope.  5th July is the Gold Coast marathon which might be a clash.  I think Perth marathon is the same day.  So is the Sri Chinmoy Como Landing 1/2.  Westlink M7 marathon is on the 26th July as is Sri Chinmoy Princes Park 30km.  How about Queens Birthday long weekend in June?  Sunday the 7th which gives us the public holiday on the 8th for recovery?  It is only a week after the Sri Chinmoy Williamstown running festival which has a marathon and a 1/2, and a few weeks before Run Melbourne 1/2 but we are always going to clash with something and it seems a shame to waste a long weekend!

[M12]

Alright...

Old Melbourne Fat Ass 2009
Queens Birthday Sunday (June 7)
9:00am start at ...... Pier maybe??
Finish at Arts Centre (sleep in the botanical gardens across the road)
So were going up the Nepean to Beach Road, Beach Road to Fitzroy Street, St Kilda Road to Arts Centre.

I'll try get someone to hang around in Black Rock or somewhere with drinks, snakes and icy poles. Maybe someone else in St Kilda too.

So the list:
-Wombat
-Staypuff
-M12
-...you?

Is there anything I've missed?

[wombatoutofhell]

We might play with the route a little-Nepean Hwy does have alot of major intersections to cross.  Beach Road which was used later on might be a better option.

Quote

I would be more inclined to adapt a course similar to that of the early eightys. This started at the One Mile Bridge (also not near the trains-something to think about) and went up the Nepean Highway and turned onto Beach Rd at Mordiallioc, and went up to Fitzroy St, then left at St Kilda Junction. The finish was under the Spire at the Arts Centre. (Thanks Digger for the info).

I also still like the idea of a gold coin donation to the official Melbourne Marathon charity which is CPEC which stands for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre.  We can of course choose any charity we like.

[M12]

Yeh I don't want to get stuck at too many traffic lights, I'd like to get off the highway as early as possible.
I would just start at Frankston Pier, go straight up the Nepean to Beach Road and upto Fitzroy Street and around the corner to Arts Centre. I'll play around on map my run a bit i think.

Yep, a couple of bucks to CPEC is a good idea too.

[flick]

I wouldn't mind joining in at half way, Ricket's point? I could bring snakes, drinks etc.........

[M12]

I'm sure we could have a half.

Full List:
-Wombatoutofhell
-Staypuff
-M12
-Staypuff's friend Zoe

Half List:
-Flick

Here's a map I drew on map my run
http://www.mapmyrun....on/276815588132

It's mapped backwards from the arts centre. The green arrow is about 42.2km from arts centre - thats just before Frankston. The pier is 45km.

[M12]

The Pier is cool with me. Gould St should get us through Frankston relatively safely.

[M12]

This is the 2006 course from some internet site. Some of you may have run it....

http://www.marathong...MIDD=1521081012

[wombatoutofhell]

That was pretty much the course I had in mind.  The starts a little inconvienient though-anyone running will need to leave their car somewhere and get back to it after.  Obviously the easiest way to do that is public transport but the start os nowhere near the station.  We might have to meet at the station and ferry people to the start.  Hopefully we can get a couple of volunteers to help out.

[M12]

I'm hoping to be able to get someone to drive 5-10km ahead of us and have an esky open with drinks for when we get there, then they move further up the road. Depending on what size car is used and numbers running, we may be able to ferry people from the station to the start in that car.

[wombatoutofhell]

A couple of cars would be better-one for the front of the pack and one for the rear.  If I'm injured still at that time I'll drive one-we'll see what happens as obviously I'd rather run it.  The run is a fair way off-no doubt we'll come up with something.

[maryclaire]

this sounds good - now that it is later in the year, I am interested.  Not sure yet whether I'll do the full or the 1/2, as I haven't yet worked out my training schedule/goals for the year.  Put me down as a 1/2 runner at this stage.  Also, I would be happy to do some sort of volunteer activity for the 1/2 that I won't be running - maybe car pool people to Frankston or support for the 1st few kms.

[M12]

Full List:
-Wombatoutofhell
-Staypuff
-M12
-Staypuff's friend Zoe

Half List:
-Flick
-Maryclaire

Perhaps 1/2 runners can choose which half they run and, if they like, help out for the other half?
I should be able to organise cars from the station to the start. But, I'm not sure, half runners, if they run the first half, theyre stranded in black rock for while. I'll put my thinking cap on...

[wombatoutofhell]

I would suggest 1/2 runners start in Black Rock for 2 reasons.  Firstly so everyone finishes at the same place-just in case further down the track we decided to have a meal or get together of some sort.  Secondly the course will take in a good amount of the current Melbourne course which will be good for training if they intend to run the real deal this year.  If they only intend doing the 1/2 at MM in October, it's still an opportunity to run the part of the course they miss by not doing the full.

[M12]

Thats a good idea. But how do we get back? We'd get a train to Frankston and ferry half runners back to Black Rock.

[wombatoutofhell]

good question-I'll have to think about it.

[M12]

Perhaps the half runners could run a little further than half and start at Mordialloc station? It would make it about 25-26kms.