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Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Whitehorse Mega Mile Fun Run and Walk

The Whitehorse Mega Mile Fun Run/Walk is a 2 mile (3.2km) event which will focus on community participation. The event, which is to be held on Sunday 30th November along Whitehorse Road, is being organised by Athletics Victoria in partnership with The City of Whitehorse to raise money for Victoria�s Commonwealth Games Athletes. Steve Moneghetti is the Patron of the event and will be present on the day along with other Commonwealth Games and Olympic athletes.

Over 4,000 participants are expected, making this event "The Biggest Sporting Event in the Eastern Suburbs". All participants receive a commemorative Moneghetti Medal as well as going into the draw to win a Toyota Echo (donated by Nunawading Toyota) and a $6,000 spa (donated by Maax Spa Corporation).

Complete article at the Athletics Australia website.

Posted at 12:39 [Perma-Link]

Tergat sets new record, Mutola to quit in 2005

Kenya's Paul Tergat set a world-best time for the marathon yesterday, winning the Berlin race in a time of two hours four minutes 55 seconds, according to unofficial results.

Tergat, 34, bettered the mark of 2:05:38 set by American Khalid Khannouchi at the London Marathon on April 14, 2002.

Complete article at The Age website.

Posted at 12:35 [Perma-Link]

Monday, September 29, 2003

Australian Team Announced For World Half Marathon Championships

Athletics Australia have announced their Australian Team to contest the 12th IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships in Vila Moura, Portugal on Sat 4 October 2003.

Complete article at the Athletics Australia website.

Posted at 12:42 [Perma-Link]

Family reunion on track for new Australian citizen

By Robert Messenger

For Gemechu Challa Woyecha, the first of three driving ambitions became a reality yesterday when he became an Australian citizen. Now Woyecha, 24, wants to be reunited with his wife and six-year-old son, who he has not seen for three years, and to represent Australia in the marathon at next year's Athens Olympic Games.

``I have waited so long for this,'' he said. ``I am very happy. If I can be with my wife and son again, and run for Australia in Athens, I will be very happy, too.''

Ethiopian-born Woyecha ran for Qatar at the Sydney Olympics three years ago, under the adopted Islamic name of Rashid Khaleel Jamal, but he was not in the relaxed state of mind that would have allowed him to concentrate on the race. He failed to finish after reaching the 40km mark, a little more than 2km from the line, in 79th place in 2hr 45min 4sec.

He is a much better marathoner than that. Indeed, his coach, Dick Telford of the Australian Institute of Sport, said at yesterday's citizenship ceremony at the ACT Legislative Assembly that he believed Woyecha was capable of running 2hr 9min for the distance. Such a time would certainly make him a leading contender to break into an Australian marathon team which performed reasonably well at the world track and field championships in Paris last month.

Woyecha cannot be judged on his first Olympic experience because at that time he was going through the painful process of planning to leave his wife and son even further behind him and stay in Australia as a refugee. His family remain in Ethiopia and Woyecha could not name them yesterday for on-going fears for their safety. He said he wanted to bring his wife and son to live with him as soon as possible.

For Telford, Woyecha's citizenship means he will now be able to travel overseas, compete in some of the major international marathons on fast courses, tap into his true potential and represent Australia. The first objective is the Fukuoka marathon in Japan on December 7, where Telford said the aim was for Woyecha to run 2hr 11min 30sec. It was at Fukuoka that Australian Derek Clayton became the first man to break 2hr 10min in 1967 and Canberra's Rob de Castella ran 2hr 8min 18sec in 1981.

Telford said it was unfortunate that, after winning his second Canberra marathon last year, Woyecha was unable to take up the prize of a trip to compete in the Chicago marathon in October. Woyecha ran 2hr 16min 23sec in winning his first Canberra marathon in 2001 and won the title a third time in April. ``He's got room for heaps of improvement,'' Telford said.

Woyecha's best is 2hr 14min 50sec, the Qatar national record he set in finishing second in the Gold Coast marathon on June 24, 2001. When Woyecha set that record, he was already an asylum-seeker. All his documents had been held by Qatar team officials when he elected to stay in Australia after the Sydney Olympics, and his primary application for refugee status was rejected. He was granted a temporary protection visa in May. Woyecha also ran a Qatar 10km road record of 29min 51sec in Tasmania on October 14, 2001. He also won his second consecutive Canberra Times Fun Run last weekend.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 12:41 [Perma-Link]

Friday, September 26, 2003

Johnson no show

by Andrew Carswell

THE much-anticipated dogfight between in-form Australian runners Hayley McGregor and Benita Johnson won't eventuate in the 2003 Skilled Burnie Ten.

Johnson, the first woman across the line in last year's Ten, has chosen not to defend her crown, instead opting to concentrate on the World Half Marathon Championships.

Her absence has installed McGregor as clear race favourite. But the public will see a different McGregor in the streets of Burnie on October 12. As her burgeoning bag of titles this year testifies, the 24-year-old has improved out of sight.

The Melbourne-based runner has won the Victorian 10 km road title, the Victorian Cross Country title, the Australian Cross Country title, the famed Herald Sun City to Surf race in Sydney and Adelaide's City to Bay fun run. She has also managed a fifth placing in the 5000 metres at the World University Games.

"Behind Benita, she's the top female distance runner in Australia at the moment and will be the one to beat in Burnie next month,'' Burnie Ten elite athlete co-ordinator Marion Taylor said.

Article from The Advocate.

Posted at 11:24 [Perma-Link]

Thursday, September 25, 2003

Long run for a good mate

ANDY Brayshaw notched up 70km of a 168km charity run on Saturday before an injury prevented him from continuing.

However Mr Brayshaw still managed to raise money for his friend Jim Murphy who has cancer.

The West Ryde army training officer attempted to run just a week after completing the Sydney marathon. ``My friend Jim is a reserve member in the same unit, but based in Adamstown, and has been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the rectum and the liver, so I did the run to raise money to support him and his family,'' he said.

After 9 hours and 70 kilometres on the road Mr Brayshaw suffered a groin strain.

He hopes the $10 000 pledged for his friend would still be raised and he will attempt the run again next year.

``I used to do a lot of running when I was in the British Army and I've always done plenty of long distance endurance running.''

Mr Brayshaw has run long distances for charity since the 1980s and on one occasion he clocked up 276 miles in three days.

He left Britain 16 months ago to continue his career in the military and this week said it was the challenge and the achievement of long distance running that kept him going.

``I get satisfaction out of it and they (charities) get something out of it.

``They benefit from my pain,'' he said.

He said he was able to keep fit at work by running with the medics and keeping them motivated.

An average week for Mr Brayshaw involves 14-18 runs totalling up to 150 kilometres.

``A lot of it is mental attitude,'' he said.

``At the end of the day it doesn't matter how hard the run is, it's the cause that counts and I hope that many people will sponsor me for the run.''

Inquiries: 0412 177 154.

Article from the Northern District Times.

Posted at 13:32 [Perma-Link]

Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Record number of 3-2-1 Go participants

SMASHING records is an integral part of the popular B&E 3-2-1 Go kids' fun run. In fact, it's becoming an annual occurrence within the event.

In what is billed as the largest children's fun run in Tasmania, the 3-2-1 Go is set to smash records again this year with the greatest number of participants since its inception.

To be held two weeks after the high-profile Skilled Burnie Ten, more than 1400 children from throughout the State's North will take to the course at West Park Oval in Burnie on October 26.

The 2003 event was launched yesterday at Cooee Primary School, a fitting venue considering the school won the schools' incentive award in 2002 for having the highest number of participants pro-rata.

"We are looking at smashing participation numbers this year with a fantastic response so far,'' race director Marion Taylor said.

Article from The Advocate.

Posted at 13:04 [Perma-Link]

First flag for Harriers

MALVERN Harriers women's team secured a historic victory in the Athletics Victoria Winter Premiership campaign by taking out the final event of the nine-race series, the Burnley Half Marathon last weekend.

The victory gave the Harriers women their first division one premiership. They began competing in 1978/79.

Having already won the 10km road, 6km road relay, 8km cross country, 4km cross country and the Coliban Road Championship events, Malvern was a clear winner in the Winter Premiership points race with 108.

Glenhuntly Athletics Club's always-strong line-up placed second with 94 points. Ringwood was next with 70 points.

Leading the way at Burnley was Michelle Jelleff, who set a personal best of 83:39 to place fifth overall.

Jelleff next steps up to contest the Melbourne Marathon on October 12 and is sure to figure highly among the women's placegetters.

Marienne Hibbert was next fastest at Burnley, clocking 87:52 and taking out the Victorian Over 45s half marathon title in the process.

The reliable Tracey Austin rounded out the Malvern division one team with yet another personal best performance of 88:33.

In other women's performances, Amy England achieved her goal of a sub-100 minute run by recording 99:35, while Barbara Fay produced yet another solid run of 103:00.

The Malvern men's team was led in by Dean Lane with a time of 73:32. Lane used the race as a valuable lead up to the Burnie Ten, Australia's premier 10km road race slated for October 12.

Other Malvern men performing well at Burnley included Stephen Mulholland (81:50) in his first race for the Harriers, Max Howard (82:03) taking fourth place in the Over 50s Championship, and Francis Kaszmarek (91:02), who completed the distance in his trademark pair of thongs.

While the half marathoners were running up and down Burnley Boulevard, fellow Harriers Alex White and Claire Fritze were racing around Albert Park Lake as part of the ``Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal Trot.'' White and Fritze tasted victory in their respective events. White won the 5km men's race in an impressive time of 15:54 while Fritze took line honours in the women's race with an equally impressive time of 19:14.

To cap a tremendous weekend for Malvern, Kate Seibold-Crosbie claimed victory in the Sydney Harbour Bridge 10km run in a personal best time of 34:37. A field of more than 6000 took part in the Bridge run, which crossed Sydney's most famous landmark before finishing at the steps of the Opera House.

Seibold-Crosbie competed in the race as part of her involvement in the Prime Minister's ``Running for a Future'' team. She is one of five athletes from across Australia selected to form the inaugural Prime Minister's team, which is aimed at developing potential Olympic marathon runners through sporting and corporate mentor programs.

Article from the Malvern Prahran Leader.

Posted at 12:59 [Perma-Link]

More runners means more fun

by LUKE SAYER

BEING part of the fun is what the B & E 3-2-1 Go is all about, and one school is keen to show rivals just how it is done.

The 3-2-1 Go fun run is the children's alternative to the Skilled Burnie 10.

Although it has only about 100 pupils, Cooee Primary is a big supporter. Last year, more than half the school took part in 3-2-1 Go, winning the award for most participants pro-rata.

This year's event -- on Sunday, October 26 -- was launched yesterday at the school. And even more youngsters plan to enter this year.

Organisers are expecting a record 1500 young people aged from five to 13 from all around the state for the event, held two weeks after the prestigious 10km footrace. Race director Marion Taylor said they were hoping to smash participation numbers.

``Since its inception, children have embraced the day and it has become a major community event,'' she said.

B & E chief executive Russell Paterson said: ``B&E is a community-minded organisation and we are proud to be associated with an event that is growing in size every year.''

3-2-1 Go grew from a desire by organisers of the Burnie 10 to cater for children under the age of 13 who wanted to experience the thrill of running in a community fun run over an appropriate distance.

The event now has races over 1km, 2km, and 3km.

Last year there were 1142 competitors.

Article from The Mercury.

Posted at 12:57 [Perma-Link]

The Right Track Open Letter (NSW)

The follow letter was written by the owner of The Right Track magazine, Derek Foley in the September 2003 issue - and as it turns out, the final issue.

"Unfortunately, we are unable to continue printing and mailing out monthly issues of The Right Track, as we have been doing since August 1995. The loss of so many fun runs from the yearly calendar and the reluctance of event organisers to distribute their entry forms means that a monthly mail-out is no longer feasible.

Up until the Sydney Olympics in 2000, there were an average of 240 fun runs per year in NSW and the ACT. With the 2000 Olympics came restrictions on all road races in Sydney for about 6 months, and the introduction of much more stringent RTA and Council conditions for event approvals, including the lodgement of formal Traffic Management Plans and the provision of $10 million Public Liability insurance. The financial toll on race organisers was huge, and as a result many long-running events went to the wall and many other potential new events failed to get off the ground. By 2003, there were only 64 events in our calendar for the year, excluding club series runs.

We are struggling now to put together an issue of The Right Track that contains anything more than details of a handful of events and one or two entry forms, and which costs us much more to print, pack and post than the subscription revenue can cover, and this is traditionally the peak fun run season in NSW.

So this will be our last mail-out, and includes an event calendar for the rest of 2003, together with ail the entry forms we have at the moment. We will not be taking any further subscriptions or renewals.

We would like to thank you all very much for your support of our service, especially those who have been with us since the beginning. We hope you received value from our efforts over the last 8 years.

We will increase the event calendar information and provide more downloadable entry forms on our website at www.funrun.com.au. We will also continue to take our display stand to events we attend, so that any entry forms we do receive will be available from there. When budget allows, and with event organisers' support, we will mail out event information packages when they become available.

Please feel free to phone us on (02) 9738-8638 if you are looking for event information, trying to find out results, planning to put on a fun run in your area, or if you just want to talk about your running and walking experiences.

Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you out there on The Right Track.

Yours sincerely

Derek Foley and Lesley Blackwood"

Read other peoples comments OR add yours

Posted at 02:52 [Perma-Link]

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

Mottram signs on for Ten

by Andrew Carswell.

MISSING in action for the most of the season, top Australian distance runner Craig Mottram has signed on the dotted line for the 2003 Skilled Burnie Ten.

Mottram's defence of the Ten title he claimed last year wasn't looking likely after he sustained a debilitating injury on the Australian summer circuit.

But the thrill of beating a class field of distance runners and leading home more than 2000 competitors has attracted his services.

Such was his dominance in last year's Burnie Ten, Mottram's time of just over 28 minutes and 30 seconds still stands at the top of the Australian 10,000-metre rankings for the past 12 months.

Not a bad effort considering 10,000 metres certainly isn't his preferred distance. Burnie Ten elite athlete coordinator Marion Taylor said Mottram's presence would add to the prestige of the race.

Article from The Advocate.

Posted at 08:59 [Perma-Link]

Minister kept on run - from start to finish

South Australian Sport Minister Michael Wright was busy at the City-Bay Fun Run on Sunday. Forget warm-ups and warm-downs and meditative focusing on the finish line, Mr Wright fired the starter gun and then joined competitors to complete the course in under an hour. And he had no time for warm-downs, stretches, and post-race analysis because he lined up to present the trophies to the winners. His Cabinet colleague, Planning Minister Jay Weatherill, also finished in under 60 minutes while Premier Mike Rann was among the walkers, slicing about 20 minutes off his personal best.

Article from The Advertiser.

Posted at 08:57 [Perma-Link]

Monday, September 22, 2003

Snow Falls for World Mountain Running Trophy

The 19th World Mountain Running Trophy kicked off in Anchorage Alaska on Saturday 20 September. In contrast to the clear blue skies and mild 10 degrees days, runners woke to find the mountains had disappeared in the thick fog and were covered in snow, with snow continuing to fall throughout the day.

Just seeing the course markers was a challenge, and in many sections of the course runners had no option but to keep to single file. The weather on top of Mt Aleyska was reported as 30cm of snow and zero degrees, whilst down below at race start level it was 2 degrees.

Complete article at the Athletics Australia website.

Posted at 16:49 [Perma-Link]

Runners raise $50,000 for charity

by KRISTY SEXTON

ENTRANTS in Sydney's leading running event have raised more than $50,000 for some of Australia's most worthy charities.

Proceeds from The Sunday Telegraph 10km Bridge Run and the Flora Sydney Marathon last Sunday will benefit the National Heart Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Australian Children's Music Foundation.

The National Heart Foundation received around $25,000 from event entry fees and its sponsored runners in the Winning Hearts team.

Heart Foundation executive director Maree Faulkner said entrants in The Sunday Telegraph 10km Bridge Run, marathon and half-marathon donated more than $14,000.

``We also had more than 100 people join our special Winning Hearts fundraising team,'' Ms Faulkner said.

``We expect that these dedicated individuals and corporate teams will have raised more than $11,000 for our medical research and community health programs.

``The Sydney Marathon Festival is a great community event that we'd like to see grow even bigger and better next year, as it's a fun way to promote a healthy, active lifestyle, plus have the unique opportunity to run across the Harbour Bridge.''

The money will be used for research into cardiovascular disease, which is Australia's number-one killer.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation raised around $30,000 from the day. The foundation grants

wishes to children suffering life-threatening illnesses.

This year, more than 300 runners from ING bank entered the bridge run to help raise money for the foundation.

Celebrity runners included Peter Corbett, winner of the Big Brother 2 reality-TV show; Yvette Duncan, MTV presenter; and Jenny Baird and Fletcher Humphreys, stars of Channel Seven's drama All Saints.

The Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) received around $1000 from the run.

Formed by musician and former Playschool host Don Spencer in July, the charity aims to provide disadvantaged children with musical instruments.

Mr Spencer said he formed the charity because he was concerned that children's imaginations were not being fostered to their full potential.

Plans are also underway for a children's radio station and a national children's songwriting competition.

Among the runners for the ACMF team were Sunday Telegraph fashion editor and columnist Melissa Hoyer, Channel 10 newsreader Sandra Sully, former Olympian and athletics commentator Peter Hadfield and former Olympic swimmer Scott Miller.

This year also saw the start of a new event, the Kids Fun Run 4 Health for under 12s at Sydney Olympic Park.

It was led by Australian 800m champion Tamsyn Lewis, who hailed the success of the event.

``Sport should be about fun and participation, and this is what the kid's run today was all about,'' the athlete said.

``It was great to see all the kids smiling and having a great time. I really enjoyed it.''

Article from the Sunday Telegraph.

Posted at 09:44 [Perma-Link]

A runaway success - Thousands flock to The Sunday Telegraph event

by KRISTY SEXTON

FROM the air, they looked like a giant new species of millipede, pounding along the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 12,500 pairs of legs before keeling over with exhaustion 10km later at the Opera House.

``They'' were the bridge runners, thousands of hardy and fit souls who took to the streets last Sunday morning for the third annual The Sunday Telegraph 10km Bridge Run and Flora Sydney Marathon.

The weather was perfect, giving extra sparkle to the popular fun run with the best view in the world.

Helicopters buzzed overhead and cameras clicked as bystanders cheered on the entrants making their way from North Sydney to the Opera House.

Even the serious runners in the Flora Sydney Marathon, who continued on to Homebush Bay, couldn't ignore the sensational views of the harbour.

Television personality Penne Dennison, who spent five weeks preparing with trainer Donna Jones, breezed through the 10km bridge run.

``When you consider I couldn't even run one kilometre without stopping before I started training, I reckon I've done pretty well here today,'' Dennison said.

The Australian Children's Music Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the National Heart Foundation were this year's race beneficiaries. The ACMF, founded by musician and former Playschool host Don Spencer, received around $1000 towards establishing a library from which disadvantaged children can borrow musical instruments.

Motivations were many.

Leah Hastings, 24, from the remote mining town of Mount Isa in Queensland, came for the views.

``It's not every day that they close down the Harbour Bridge so people can run across it, so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity,'' Ms Hastings said.

Then there were others like the Bailey family of North Manly, who turned the run into a family day out, with mum Anna, 35, dad Harold, 36, and kids Chloe, 10, and Ava, 2, all doing the 10km run.

``We spent three weeks training for this and I reckon we've done pretty well,'' Mr Bailey said.

``Others, like Ava, have it a little easier though,'' he said as Ava gurgled contentedly in her pram.

It seemed everyone was getting in on the action, with age posing no barrier.

Claudia Simpson, a sprightly 82-year-old, walked the race with her daughter.

``They say if you don't use it, you lose it, and I don't plan on losing anything just yet,'' said Ms Simpson, of Lidcombe. ``It's been a lovely day. I'm not going too fast, so I can enjoy the view.''

Then there was nine-year-old Josh Davies from Thornleigh, the youngest competitor to clock a time under 45 minutes.

``I got 43 minutes -- I was pretty happy with my run but I'm hoping to get it under 40 next year,'' he said.

The Sunday Telegraph 10km Bridge Run was won by Canberra's Scott Wescott in a time of 29 minutes and 49 seconds.

The women's division was won by Melbourne's Kate Seibold-Crosbie in 34 minutes and 37 seconds, and the wheelchair division by Sydney's Paul Nunnari in 23 minutes and 24 seconds.

Two fleet-footed Tanzanians and a lone Aussie were at the head of the Flora Sydney Marathon pack.

Oswald Revelian threw himself over the finish line to win in a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes and 5 seconds.

Central coast runner Paul Arthur, whose battle with depression and drugs has been well publicised, had a huge comeback, placing second with a time of 2 hours, 31 minutes and 26 seconds.

Tanzanian runner Tausi Juma raced to glory, taking out the women's line honours in the Flora Sydney Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 46 minutes and 25 seconds.

Article from the Sunday Telegraph.

Posted at 09:42 [Perma-Link]

Runners relish their day under the sun

By Andrew Benson

The rain cleared just in time to leave the 2003 Canberra Times Fun Run basking in sunlight yesterday. Close to 2350 runners, joggers, and walkers took part in the 10km event, raising $30,170 for the National Heart Foundation. Canberra based marathon runner Gemechu Woyecha won his second consecutive CT Fun Run in 29 minutes 33 seconds after finishing too strong for Australian 10km champion Shaun Creighton (29.53). Jackie Gallagher was the first female competitor home, completing the course in 33.49, well ahead of last year's winner Sarah Salmon (36.13). The very first person across the line was wheelchair athlete George Mein in a time of 27.04. In the past 12 years the fun run has raised more than $365,000 for the foundation. Eileen Jerga from the National Heart Foundation said the foundation was always pleased to be involved with the event. ``It's alway really exciting, it is one of the highlights of the Heart Foundation's year,'' she said.

Early on it looked like the runners would be accompanied around the course by a persistent drizzle. But the clouds parted almost on cue and the sun shone down on the mass of competitors. While the winners crossed the finish line in close to half an hour, there was a steady stream of people finishing well up to the two-hour mark. Although the race is serious for many, a large proportion of competitors obviously were more concerned about the ``fun'' aspect of the run than the race itself. Canberrans of all ages, from young children to great- grandparents, and all fitness levels were represented.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:39 [Perma-Link]

Perfect day for a stampede

By Ian Warden

The cool, still conditions for the start of yesterday's 28th Canberra Times Family Fun Run were so perfect that starter Rob de Castella, loading his starter's pistol, taunted us with the thought that if ever any of us were going to beat his own record time for the run then this was surely the day. If you can't do it today, he teased, then his record would probably last forever.

All around me runners pawed the tarmac of Yamba Drive impatiently with their Nike-shod hooves as though they couldn't wait to gallop off and take up the challenge. But as well as teasing and taunting us, the great man also told us we were wonderful human beings for showing up for the run, for sharing in the ``camaraderie'' of the occasion and for supporting the ACT division of the Heart Foundation.

And so, helped by the warm inner glow given by this pat on the back from one of the gods of athletics, the stampede began and soon those of us who were common runners with ideas above our station were facing the harsh realities of 10km of running. For this common runner and for lots of folk around me, the spiritual help given by Deek's words of praise had worn off by about the 3km mark, as the long toil up Yarra Glen began to ask serious questions, some of them unanswerable, of everyone's hearts and lungs and knees.

Some of us were lucky enough to have loved ones on the bridges to cheer us on, although by the second bridge at Kent Street, few of us had the spare puff with which to shout our thanks. And it was by that bridge that the serious spitting, a sign of a runner's distress, had begun. Only a deft foxtrot enabled me to avoid what a woman just in front of me suddenly decorated Adelaide Avenue with.

But from just opposite The Lodge the run is substantially down hill and yesterday, with the weather sparkling in one of the world's loveliest cities, a kind of euphoria was induced and the fun run began to feel like fun.

But just as it seemed sheer euphoria would enable us to float to the finish, we turned off Kings Avenue bridge and down into Kings Park to head for the finish in Commonwealth Park, and found ourselves opposed by a muscular head wind. Over the last 200m to the finish line that finish line seemed to some of us to break into a jog of its own, running away from us. The Devil said that there would be no shame in just walking to the finish but somehow at that moment this Evil was drowned out by the memory of the Good of what the god-like Deek had said an hour earlier. The finish line stopped running away and stood still for just long enough for this fun runner, a loved one's cheers of congratulation just audible above the noisy creaking of my knees, to cross it. The post fun run camaraderie in Commonwealth Park, all that delight in having achieved something and in congratulating others and in being congratulated made the agonies seem worthwhile.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:37 [Perma-Link]

No barriers when partnership on the pace

Andrew Moller was very happy after finishing yesterday's Canberra Times Fun Run in 62 minutes and 25 seconds. Visually impaired Mr Moller ran the race with the help of his running partner Ken Eynon.

Although the pair have been training together this was their first race together. ``I've never done one with Ken before but I've run in one or two others with someone else,'' Mr Moller said. ``I think this one felt pretty good.''

Usually only training twice a month, Mr Eynon thought Mr Moller would have been helped by a little bit more preparation. ``He did it a bit tough in parts because he hasn't been able to do a lot of training,'' he said. ``He moved out to Gunning with his parents and hasn't been able to do the amount of training he used to.'' Mr Moller tries to do as much training by himself as he can to supplement his runs with his running partner.

The fun run course was almost like a home track for the pair who usually ran around the lake. ``I train once a fortnight with Ken and then only 5km,'' Mr Moller said. ``The only similarity to what we normally run is we crossed the Kings Avenue bridge. ``I do my own stuff at home as well _ I have a couple of pieces of exercise equipment but that is a bit different.''

In the end Mr Eynon thought his running partner had finished with a fairly good time, but one which could be bettered next year. ``Sixty-two minutes was an excellent time for Andrew,'' he said. ``We did a bit of walking today as well, so Andrew will be back next year and do a faster time.''

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:33 [Perma-Link]

The fit, fanatical and foolhardy cross the line again, making the City-Bay Fun Run a start-to-finish winner

By JILL PENGELLEY and ANDREW HOUGH

AMID a riot of colour and action, runners and walkers of all ages pounded the blacktop as they streamed down King William St at 8am yesterday.

About 14,650 competitors - a record entry - made the most of the sunshine to take part in the 12km annual The Advertiser City-Bay fun-run.

Eighteen minutes into the run, at Kurralta Park, the leaders were joined by the 6km runners who opted for a shorter route as Anzac Highway was awash with the fit, fanatical and foolhardy.

There were no water restrictions here but plenty for drinking, dousing and even pet-stops for refuelling the dog.

In prams, wheelchairs, on foot and on leash, they descended on the Bay and continued to do so for three hours.

Leading the way was Victorian Mark Tucker who sped home in 35 minutes 49 seconds. The first woman home, also from Victoria, was Haley McGregor in 39 minutes 51 seconds.

As the elite all finished in good shape, the wannabes and well-intentioned could barely take another step once over the line.

More in tune with their bodies than ever, they doubled over and clasped their knees, struggling with their private agony.

McLeod's Daughters star Jessica Napier enjoyed a stroll with the Guide Dogs Association and finished in around two hours and 10 minutes.

Ms Napier said while she didn't train for the event, she did a lot of walking on Bondi Beach in Sydney. ``I walk everywhere,'' she said. ``The Guide Dogs Association asked me to be part of it and I was happy to be involved.

``My legs were aching at the end but it was good to finish.''

Three girls travelled from the South-East town of Naracoorte.

Katelyn Doyle, 10, her sister Jacqui, 8, and their friend Alice Bradley, 9, all made the trip to compete in their first City-Bay.

``It was great to finish,'' Katelyn said, while Jacqui added: ``It was good to see the one kilometre to go sign.'' Alice said: ``It was great fun running with my friends.''

All guts and no glory, Sport Minister Michael Wright ran the 12km in 55 minutes but crossed the finish line unnoticed by the commentator or the public. An hour later, Premier Mike Rann finished to cheers and requests to pose for photographs.

Occasionally a St John volunteer would pluck out a runner about to hit the pavement but, despite the warm day, there was little need for their services.

From the city to the Bay, and thickest near the finish line, the route was lined with people who knew their limitations and had come to cheer the competitors.

Two hours after the leader had arrived, Christine Gray, 49, and her father Hallam Gray, 76, approached the finish.

``We're aching and can't figure out how to get home,'' she said.

Mr Gray said: ``I could do it over again. It's only walking.''

Article from The Advertiser.

Posted at 09:31 [Perma-Link]

Breakaway dash secures City-Bay win

By ANDREW HOUGH

TWO Victorians overcame a strong South Australian contingent to steal line honours in yesterday's Advertiser City-Bay fun run.

Mark Tucker, 24, of Geelong, out-paced his more fancied rivals to post a ``disappointing'' winning time of 35 minutes 49 seconds - well off the record of 33.42.

He beat a contingent of six runners who were neck-and-neck right up to the final stretch on Jetty Road. They finished within a minute of each other.

``It is the biggest road race I have won so I am on top of the world,'' he said after winning.

``I felt really good and with about a kilometre to go I put the pedal down. (But) the wind did slow the overall pace down.''

The first male South Australian across the line was Ryan Cox in a time of 38.34.

A record number of people entered the event - around 14,650 pounded the pavement this year, eclipsing last year's record of 13,232.

Official City-Bay figures show there were just over 6000 12km runners; almost 6500 12km walkers; just under 1500 6km walkers; and 700 6km runners.

Fellow Victorian Haley McGregor, 24, of Richmond, overcame her second-place finish last year to go one better to win the women's category in a time of 39 minutes 51 seconds - just outside the 38.05 women's record.

She beat rival - and last year's winner - Anna Thompson, who finished almost a minute behind in second place.

``I had the benefit of having a couple of guys with me. I got in behind them and got into a really good rhythm early,'' she said.

``I think the headwind took it out of me but I just wanted to run a strong second-half race.''

The first female South Australian - and fourth overall - was mother of two Lee-Ann Turner in a time of 42.42.

The first walkers across the line were South Australians Kim Mottram, in a time of 47.50, and Tanya Holiday, in a time of 57.40.

The wheelchair categories winners were both from Sydney - Kurt Fearnley, 22, and Rosemary Little, 21.

Fearnley said it was a ``great race'' for him.

``The wind was the toughest, though,'' he added. Little agreed: ``It is meant to be a downhill race but the wind made it feel like I was going up hill.''

Race director Des Paul said he was pleased with the record but added he was hoping for 15,000 entrants.

``I thought we could get there (15,000) but entries died a little bit on Saturday,'' Paul said. ``But I am very pleased with it, as we not taking a backward step.''

The race claimed fewer casualties this year, with 40 treated by St John officers - 14 less than last year - and no admissions to hospital.

ALL THE RUNNERS ALL THE TIMES IN TOMORROW'S Advertiser

Article from The Advertiser.

Posted at 09:29 [Perma-Link]

Woyecha close to de Castella record in Canberra Times Fun Run

By Andrew Benson

Canberran Gemechu Woyecha proved again yesterday he was Canberra's leading distance runner by winning the Canberra Times Fun Run- Canberra Marathon double for the second year in a row. Woyecha came close to beating Rob de Castella's 13-year race record, just missing the time by 30 seconds after battling a strong headwind for the last 3km to finish in 29min 33sec.

In a double for Canberra, Jackie Gallagher kept her plans for the Athens Olympics on track by winning the women's event ahead of last year's winner Sarah Salmon. Woyecha will also be eligible to run for Australia after October this year.

Not far behind was Canberra's Australian track 10km record holder Shaun Creighton (29.53) who tried early to stay with Woyecha but fell off the pace. An Olympic marathon runner for Qatar before seeking asylum in Australia during the Sydney Olympics, Woyecha found the 10km distance was a walk in the park in mostly good conditions.

``It was fantastic, but after about 7km it was warm and windy,'' Woyecha said. ``I am training for longer distances, the marathon, so this one was short but hard.''

Australian 10km champion Creighton was disappointed not to have won after setting de Castella's record as his goal before the race. ``I was disappointed with that _ in hindsight it was a bad tactical error for me to go hard right from 1km,'' Creighton said. ``I should have sat back until about 5km and then applied the pressure but I didn't and I started to hurt a bit from going too hard too soon. ``Full credit to Gemechu _ he ran a great race. I was trying to give Deek's record a shake so I got out and gave it a go and paid the price for going too hard too early.''

Gallagher (33.49) used the run as preparation for the Chicago Marathon in three weeks where she will attempt to run an Olympic qualifying time.

A calf strain hampered Salmon's bid for consecutive wins. ``I planned not to go off to quickly but I think I did anyway,'' Salmon said. ``I felt pretty good early until I pulled my calf halfway through and had to take it easy for the rest of the race.''

Wheelchair athlete George Mein (27.04) was the first person across the finish line beating the rest of the field home by more than two minutes. After his second Fun Run win in a row, Mein thought the conditions were more difficult this year. ``I don't feel too bad. There was probably a stronger headwind this year than last and the road was a little greasy because of the rain,'' Mein said.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:26 [Perma-Link]

Friday, September 19, 2003

Running Industry Concerns Over Event Cancellations

A recent spate of community event cancellations, due mainly to difficulties with insurance and local authority approval, was the catalyst for a recent meeting in Sydney between Athletics Australia and a representative group of local recreational runners.

On Monday 15 September 2003, Athletics Australia CEO Simon Allatson met with representatives of CoolRunning Australia to discuss the ongoing role that AA can play within the recreational running industry.

Rest of article at Athletics Australia

Posted at 19:18 [Perma-Link]

Take a run to help save lives

DUST off your running shoes and get some fresh air at the Sydney Adventist Hospital's annual Run for Life Fun Run this Sunday.

Run For Life, now in its third year, raises money for the hospital to continue providing essential medical/health services and facilities.

Last year, the event raised more than $10,000 through participation and community support.

Managing director of the Sydney Adventist Hospital Foundation Paul Fua said the run was a great way to keep fit and raise funds for health care.

``Sydney Adventist Hospital has been providing health care to the Sydney community for 100 years,'' he said. ``As a not-for-profit hospital we rely on community support to enable us to continue our good work.''

Registrations are now being taken for the 10km and 5km runs and the 5km walk, which all start at the San in Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga and wind their way through the streets of Wahroonga.

Winners receive cash prizes.

The run starts at 8am, and people wanting to register on the day should turn up before 7.30am.

Inquiries: 9487 9405

Article from the Hornsby Advocate.

Posted at 09:24 [Perma-Link]

Canberra run to be a family affair

By Julia Whyte

There will be thrills and Spills this Sunday as thousands of people pull on their jogging shoes for The Canberra Times Family Fun Run. Not missing out on the fun or the chance to appreciate some warmer Canberra weather predicted for the weekend is Mark and Jane Spill and their three children, Clare, George and Tom. The family from Garran have entered the 10km run for the second consecutive year and are hoping to be able to beat last year's times. Despite not having a strict training regime, Mr Spill is certain the family is fit enough to make it from Phillip to Commonwealth Park with a family record. ``We keep pretty fit all year round,'' he said. ``I do cycling and am just getting ready for an event at the end of November, it's a bit gentler on the joints than running.``My daughter, Clare, likes jogging and walking, my eldest son, George, plays basketball, Tom, the 8-year-old likes to play soccer, and my wife does a bit of walking and we go to the gym.''

The Spills will be joining more than 2100 official starters, with another 300 late entries expected on the day. While some people may take the run fairly seriously, for the family of five joining in the event is based on fun and helping out charity, with income from entry fees going to the Heart Foundation ACT division.Mr Spill said the fun run promoted health and provided a chance to enjoy getting out. ``Fitness, a community event, a fundraiser, appreciation of Canberra _ the fun run is all of that,'' he said. There is still a chance for people to be a part of the action on Sunday with late entries accepted from 7.30am on Sunday at the Canberra College, Woden Campus in Launceston Street, Phillip. Last year more than $35,000 was raised for the Heart Foundation, taking the grand total since the mid-80s above $335,000. The starting gun will be fired by Robert De Castella at 10am.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:23 [Perma-Link]

Spring Into Shape Series Race 1 - Sunday 21 September 2003

Record numbers are expected to take part in the Spring Into Shape series with entries already consistently higher than last year and heading towards a total number of 4000 participants expected across the whole series.

The Spring Into Shape (SIS) series is a three race format held in Melbourne's Alexandra Gardens held in September, October and November. Consisting of three events spaced around a month apart, the SIS is an ideal way to shed those winter kilos before summer and you can monitor your progress from race to race.

Participants can chose from a 4 or 8km scenic course along the Yarra River and through the parkland near Birrarung Marr. You can run or walk the course and can enter one or two, or the whole series (three events).

The series entries have proven extremely popular, especially with the added value of Brooks t-shirts and a free pair of Brooks socks for each participant for each race they enter. Series entries are already 20% higher than last year.

With another 30% of entries expected on event day, nearly 1500 are expected at the first event on Sunday 21 September. Traditionally there has been an increase in participant numbers as the series wears on and the weather improves and the total number of participants across the whole event could exceed 4000.

Last year's event was a success with a total 3750 participants and Start to Finish Event Management is pleased with these figures indicating the growth of the spring time event.

The event also supports the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation to fund scholarships for young doctors to spend a year training with the nation's top cancer research scientists. The highest fundraiser will win a $300 Brooks prize pack consisting of Brooks Vapor shoes, an overnight bag, t-shirt, two pairs of socks, Brooks cap and water bottle.

For entry details please visit www.ausrun.com.au or call Start to Finish on 9819 9225.

Posted at 09:10 [Perma-Link]

2003 World Mountain Running Championship

With just a few days to go before the 19th edition of the World Mountain
Running Trophy (Patrons IAAF), it is now fairly clear who the contestants will be.

The courses this year are up & down so the descending experts will start as favourites. Both current World Champions are absent. Svetlana Demidenko (Russia) has been on marathon duty for her country at the World championships in Paris. Jonathan Wyatt (New Zealand) who is already the 2003 WMRA mountain running grand prix winner, has plans to run a marathon qualifying time for next years Olympic Games.

In the ladies race, this throws the favourites mantle onto last years silver medallists, Antonella Confortola (Italy). She will however face stern
challenges from Angela Mudge (Scotland) the 2003 European silver medallist; Izabella Zatorska (Poland) already winner of the 2003 WMRA grand prix, and Melissa Moon (New Zealand) champion in 2001.

In the mens race could this be a record 5th World title for Marco de Gasperi (Italy) He must start favourite on any course involving downhill running. However, European champions Marco Gaiardo (Italy) is in fine form. Emmanuelle Manzi (Italy), silver medallist in 2001 cannot be discounted. Raymond Fontaine (France) should now be reaching the peak of his performance following his silver medal last year and is a favourite once more to be amongst the medallists.

Twenty-six countries have entered athletes, including for the first time Norway.

Details of the courses can be found by visiting the Alaskan web page via the link on the WMRA web page www.wmra.info

The Australian team contesting the championships comprises:
Women: June Petrie VIC
Louise Fairfax VIC
Sue Clark VIC (2003 Australian champion)

Men: Ben du Bois NSW (2003 Australian champion)
John Winsbury ACT
Steven Page VIC
Kevin Laws NSW

The runners will be competing on an Up/down course with the Open Women racing 7.7km with an overall gain of 620 metres; and the Open Men 11.48km with an overall gain of 900 metres.

Pictures of the fantastic scenery and course profiles can be seen at:
http://www.wmrt2003.org/home.htm

Posted at 08:10 [Perma-Link]

Thursday, September 18, 2003

First-time competitor wins veterans' race

NICKY Aloupis of Merewether may be fighting fit at 50 but don't call her a veteran.
The winner of the 5.5kilometre Veteran Female category in the 2003 The Herald EnergyAustralia Herald Foreshore Fun Run entered the race with her daughter just to have fun.

``I don't see myself as a veteran,'' she said. ``I'm quite impressed alright.''

It was the first year Mrs Aloupis had entered the fun run and she finished the race in less than 26 minutes.

Her daughter Angelique, 26, an aerobics instructor, encouraged her mother to start competitive running.

Mrs Aloupis said they would have a shot at the mother and daughter title next year.

Participants in both the 7.5kilometre and 5.5kilometre events were eligible for prizes in 25 categories, including husband and wife and under-age sections.

Article from the Newcastle Herald.

Posted at 09:13 [Perma-Link]

Cooray in top 10

IN only his second marathon Fairlight 37-year-old Thamal Cooray finished in seventh place in the Sydney Marathon last Sunday.

In a large field Cooray was just 16 minutes behind winner Oswald Revelian of Tanzania, completing the 42km run in 2hrs42mins.

Cooray trains by running laps of Manly beach and last year ran 2hrs50mins in his first marathon.

Article from the Manly Daily.

Posted at 09:12 [Perma-Link]

Runner going places

IT'S been a big year for Cockatoo cross-country athlete Craig Appleby.

Appleby was the top-placed Australian in the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships in Lausanne-La Broye, Switzerland, in March, and has also won two national titles this year.

Last month the 18-year-old took out the top place in the under-20 Australian Cross-Country titles at Yarra Bend and in June he won an Australian mountain running championship gold medal.

``I think it has been a pretty big year for me,'' Appleby said.

After finishing 74th out of a field of hundreds in the elite IAAF event, Appleby said he was satisfied with his performance. He completed the 8km course in 26min 34sec.

``The media hype around the race made me feel a little nervous before the start, but once the gun went off, it felt as normal as any other race,'' he said.

``At first I was a little disappointed with my result it was my first international race but I felt inexperienced because I had to chase.

``After the race the satisfaction of being able to compete for Australia was huge.

``When it finally sank in, it was a great feeling to have been part of such an important race.''

Appleby trains and competes in cross-country events during winter and track running races in summer.

``I am really a distance runner,'' he said. ``I have been since 1997. I find the challenge of endurance races more satisfying than the shorter distance track events like 800m, although competing in any race is satisfying for me.''

He said he was looking forward to having a go at the Commonwealth Games, with the 2008 Olympics his ultimate goal.

Appleby is this week's Free Press Leader senior Sports Star award nominee. To make a nomination in the junior, senior or services to sport categories of the award, phone 9762 2511 or send an e-mail to freepress@ldr.newsltd.com.au.

Article from the Free Press.

Posted at 09:11 [Perma-Link]

More Public Liability Issues - Canberra This Time

The following note has been passed to CoolRunning regarding the ACT Veterans Athletics Club event cancellation from last weekend.

All ACTVAC Members

By now you may have heard that the Family Fun Run that was scheduled for
Civic at 9.30am this Sunday 14 September has been cancelled. The fun run,
which was a joint effort between the Canberra Centre and ACTVAC was an
opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy some physical and
social activity, and raise funds for the Heart Foundation in the ACT.

The cancellation has resulted from difficulties with public liability
insurance. Whilst insurance was obtained for the event, the excess
provisions within the cover were such that, in the event of an incident
for which the club was found negligent, ACTVAC could face severe financial
difficulty. Unfortunately, we did not find out about the change in our
policy incorporating the excess until after planning for the fun run was
well under way. Efforts were made to secure alternative insurance, but we
were advised the cost would be high. After lengthy deliberations, the
club's management concurred that it was not prepared to expose club
members' assets to this risk and so withdrew our support for the event.

The cancellation has only resulted in a lose-lose situation. The ACT
Heart Foundation had missed an injection of funds, the goodwill and
support of Canberra Centre traders will go unrewarded and the broader
community has lost a great opportunity to come together.

There have been a number of cancellations of similar events over recent
months in other states. And, unfortunately, this may not be the last for
the ACT. We must find a way to provide opportunities to come together
without placing participants or organisers at physical or financial risk.

I want to thank Cathy Montalto and Stuart Reid and their team for the huge
effort that has gone into organising the event. The securing of
sponsorship, the administration and the efforts to build club membership
and profile have been outstanding. I can only begin to imagine the
disappointment and frustration you must be feeling, let alone any abuse
you may be receiving from sponsors or participants because of the
committee's decision.

It is so disappointing that we could not continue and show Canberra on
Sunday what a strong and supportive group ACTVAC is.

Prue Bradford
President
ACTVAC

Athletics Australia has further clarified this position:

This event is a silver-category Running Australia-certified event.

The ACT Veterans Athletic Club registered this event with Athletics
Australia, under the Running Australia framework. The Club submitted all
necessary approvals and Public Liability insurance coverage was confirmed to
the club.

One of the terms of Athletics Australia's insurance policy is a $5000 excess
if there is a successful claim and the organisation against whom a
successful claim is made is responsible for covering this excess.

Please note that in negotiating AA's current insurance policy, there were
only two insurance companies willing to quote for the policy and the current
insurers would only provide the cover with the $5000 excess.

The ACT Veterans Athletic Club assessed the risk if there were to be
multiple successful claims against their event and they determined that they
could not proceed with the event.

Therefore the insurance coverage was available for this event, however, the
club's management committee made the decision not to proceed. This is a
decision that every event organiser / club will need to assess.

Posted at 08:27 [Perma-Link]

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Diamond Valley at Burnley

THE Diamond Valley Athletic Club was well represented at the final event on the AV Cross Country calendar, the Half Marathon at Burnley. Thirteen runners in the Open Mens division made up three teams and picked up valuable points in an exciting finish in the battle for season honours. The top DVAC mens team in Division 2 fielded a strong line-up in Antony Milovac, Philip Champion, Clint Farley and Trevor Carter. Milovac was placed first in the Mens 45+ age group and stands a great chance of taking out the season trophy. The Mens Division 4 team, sitting on top of the ladder before the Half Marathon, has an excellent chance of being promoted next winter after a strong showing by Robin Broberg, Philip Wakeley, Colin Heywood and Chris Lynch. Broberg was placed second in the Mens 50+ age group. His time of 78:55 for the Half Marathon indicates that he is great shape for his run in the Melbourne Marathon which will be held on October 12th. Magnus Michelsson was outright winner of the Half Marathon in the time of 65:10 while Anna Thompson took out the Womens race in a time of 70:13. The Diamond Valley Athletic Club is now preparing the coming Track and Field season, due to start on October 11. The club will hold a Trials and Registration Day on Sunday, October 5 at 1pm at Willinda Park, Greensborough. For more information see: http://www.valleyaths.org.

RESULTS: Women Open: Ruth Reidy 96:22; Lyn Davis 110:14. Men Open: Antony Milovac 74:49; Philip Champion 74:59; Clint Farley 77:22; Trevor Carter 77:31; Robin Broberg 78:33; Philip Wakeley 78:55; Colin Heywood 81:10; Chris Lynch 82:11; Mark Monahan 85:39; Jeff Young 97:07; Lyal Douglas 99:49; Max Balchin 110:14; Warren McCullough 115:27.

Article from the Diamond Valley News

Posted at 12:55 [Perma-Link]

Malvern women

ALL the Malvern Harriers women's team had to do to claim the Athletics Victoria Winter Road and Cross Country premiership for the 2003 season was finish in the top four at Sunday's Burnley Victorian Half Marathon in Richmond.

Malvern was on top of the premiership ladder heading into the season finale, and if it came away with a top-four finish, it would have been the first time Malvern had won the women's flag.

Malvern was without its two fastest runners for the 21km half marathon. Kate Seibold and Jane Wilson were unavailable, so the club was relying on the strength of Tracy Austin, Michelle Jelleff, Amy England and seasoned veterans Marienne Hibbert and Barbara Fay to get the job done.

For the Malvern men's team, Dean Lane was aiming for a top 10 finish with a sub 70-minute time in the half marathon. Men and women run together but results are split into a separate category for each.

Training and coaching is available to runners of all ages and abilities by contacting Harrier members John Fay or Barbara Fay on 9885 7173.

Article from the Malvern Prahran Leader.

Posted at 12:53 [Perma-Link]

Four top runners

By Geoff Edwards

FOUR Frankston athletes will represent Australia in the world school cross-country championships in France next year.

Their selection in a 12-member Australian team came after sterling performances in national school titles in Queensland.

The runners are:

Rachel Green, 14, Frankston High School, who finished sixth at the nationals.

Dane Frey, 16, Frankston High School, fourth.

Zhoe Warrington, 15, Frankston High School, third.

Scott Vance, 16, Peninsula School, third.

Frankston Athletics Club and Peninsula School coach Nicky Frey said the four had won their places in the team heading to France next July by finishing in the first six in the national under-17 girls' 4km and boys' 6km events.

World school cross-country championships are staged every two years, and Zane Holland, from Frankston, returned Australia's best result last year with an eighth placing.

The Frankston student is looking to compete in the steeplechase at the junior world championships next year.

Mrs Frey warned that her four distance runners faced a tough task in France against athletes who had been groomed by their countries from a young age.

But there was a buzz of excitement around Frankston High School and The Peninsula School.

``Scott has been seen as a bit of a legend here at Peninsula School for a couple of years, and people know he is better than just a runner,'' Mrs Frey said.

``Each of the four has to raise $5000 to get to France, and that's a lot of sausages to sizzle.''

Article from the Frankston Standard Leader.

Posted at 12:48 [Perma-Link]

Monday, September 15, 2003

Shock win to 'junior'

by Andrew Carswell

THE odds were stacked against Sam Fergusson's chances of winning yesterday's PCCCT Wynyard-to-Burnie Feature Race. There on the start line was a lanky 16-year-old kid who raced in a pool for most of his sporting childhood and had never run more than 10 km before.

Fergusson cast aside those facts to score a cruise-to-the-line to win the prestigious 17.6 km handicap race yesterday, going from zero to hero in just over an hour.

Due to his lack of experience and his patchy form in the lead-up events on the PCCCT calendar, Fergusson didn't rate as a legitimate chance in many people's eyes.

The 16-year-old had the times on the board out of view of the PCCCT handicappers, but simply didn't display his true ability . . . till yesterday.

Speaking after his ground-breaking victory, the Marist Regional College student was overwhelmed with the honour.

"I'm absolutely surprised; I'm filled with complete satisfaction,'' Fergusson said.

Article from The Advocate.

Posted at 13:46 [Perma-Link]

Less is more as the fun run nears

By Ian Warden

If you've been in serious training for next Sunday's Canberra Times Family Fun Run and if your body is pleading with you to stop torturing it, then the time has come to show it some mercy. Neville Bleakley, coach in charge of the Academy of Sport's training program for the fun run, told his charges after yesterday's run (to and from Fadden Pines in a character-building chilly gale) that it was time to taper. Tapering is preparing your body for the race and in order to arrive at Sunday's starting line feeling fresh and dynamic it's time to spend the next few days doing far less than you've been doing thus far. Neville thought, speaking above the wind whistling through the pines, that those who'd been training earnestly should this week do as little as a third (in time and distance) of what they'd been doing. You should do just enough this week, he told us, to make your body say, ``Hey, this is racing,'' and to remind it of what it's been taught over the past weeks of training. Other good advice given yesterday was about race day. If this is your first fun run, a young man doing his Ph.D in mental toughness at the Australian Institute of Sport warned everyone, try to be prepared for how different the occasion will be from your training sessions. Try to think ahead about such mundane things as where you'll park and about where the toilets are so that there's no last-minute dramas. Do you have a race plan? You really should have a plan of sorts and it should take into account the fun run route and especially the long, gradual incline as you toil along Yarra Glen. That takes you up towards the doorstep of The Lodge before the blissful downhill phase begins (and don't rely on the Prime Minister being there outside The Lodge to give you an inspirational wave because I've never known him to be at home on fun run day) but if you're silly enough to sprint at the start you'll find you have little left in the tank for Yarra Glen. Coaches advise that you should run (or walk, shuffle or foxtrot) as much of the 10km as possible at your one, fastest possible comfortable pace (a pace at which you can chat to your running mates or shout a cheery greeting to Mr Howard if he is there after all ). Late entries for the fun run will be accepted on the day (Sunday, September 21) from 7.30am at Canberra College in Woden.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:57 [Perma-Link]

Breaking into a trot to aid kids

by MARK MOOR

AFTER a winter of pigging out on hearty meals and warm fires, what better way to shake off the frost than a brisk morning run at the start of spring?

You can even do it with some fellow pigs for company.

Almost 2000 people braved a chilly 9C morning to be part of the Very Special Kids annual Piggy Trot fun-run yesterday.

Participants completed either a 5km walk, 5km run or 10km run before the appeal was officially launched by swimmer Matt Welsh and Carlton footballer Luke Livingston.

Five 700kg bright-pink pigs will tour Melbourne and rural Victoria for a five-week fundraising tour of 120 cities and towns.

Last year it raised a hefty $950,000 and aims for more this year.

The VSK pigs feasted on a big breakfast with a surprise $150,000 donation from pokies king Bruce Mathieson.

``We're just ecstatic. The day was a great way to kick-start everything and to get that sort of donation from Mr Mathieson was just fantastic,'' VSK spokeswoman Michelle King said.

``(Money from the appeal) goes mainly to support the VSK house in Malvern but we also extended our support services into the bush.''

VSK aims to improve the quality of life for families of children with progressive life-threatening illnesses.

Article from the Herald Sun website.

Posted at 09:56 [Perma-Link]

Loyal of heart and fleet of foot

by Martin Flanagan

Eight days before I met him, Kane Bowden finished running from Melbourne to Adelaide with a friend. The journey took 17 days. One day they ran for 14 hours, finishing in the dark. Other days, they got up before dawn and saw the sun rise. They passed through a lot of farmland; Kane couldn't help wondering what it must have looked like before it was cleared. But that was on the good days.

On the bad days, he just tried to concentrate on the road in front of him and find a "zone" that would take him through the discomfort. No one told him, before he began, how much it would hurt. When we met, he was still feeling flat in his body, still trying to understand exactly what he'd done.

Complete article at The Age website.

Posted at 09:55 [Perma-Link]

They're set for marathon effort

by MILANDA ROUT

IT IS a case of the master and the apprentice for Asics Melbourne Marathon running partners Sean Quilty and Dean Paulin.

While Quilty will be competing in his 20th marathon, Paulin will attempt his first.

Quilty won silver in the marathon at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and is training Paulin for the gruelling 42km race from Frankston to the city.

Training includes running up to 160km a week.

``It is tough training, especially when you have to do it in the rain,'' Paulin said. ``But I know I can do the distance.''

Almost 6000 runners competed in last year's event, which raised $45,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

This year's run will be on Sunday, October 12.

The event also will include a half-marathon and ``marafun'' for those not up to running the 42km.

To enter, or for more information, go to www.melbournemarathon.com.

Article from the Herald Sun.

Posted at 09:53 [Perma-Link]

Marathon title a boost for Arthur

PAUL Arthur maintained his remarkable renaissance and continued his climb out of the ``gutter'' by winning the Australian men's marathon title yesterday.

Arthur, a former national half marathon and City to Surf winner, briefly quit athletics after suffering from chronic depression following the death of his father in 1998.

He contemplated suicide in the last year after problems with alcohol, gambling and drugs, but recently returned to running and yesterday was the first Australian home in the 42km run from North Sydney to Homebush.

NSW Central Coast athlete Arthur, 36, was second across the line in 2 hours 31 minutes 28 seconds. The winner of the race was Tanzanian Oswald Revelian in 2h26min3sec.

As the first Australian to finish, Arthur claimed the national title and maintained his resurgence since returning to running earlier this year.

It was a similar story in the women's event won by Tanzanian Tausi Jumi (2h46min25sec) with the Australian title going to second-placed 36-year-old Queenslander Helen Verity-Tolhurst (2h58min58sec).

Suffering from sickness over the past few days, Arthur was content to let Revelian lead all the way in gusty conditions and stormed home over the closing kilometres.

``Twelve months ago, I was basically in the gutter and my coach (Robert Beardslee) had faith in me, and to come out and win the Australian championship means more to me than a lot of things,'' Arthur said.

Arthur said he would be lying if he claimed he had completely changed his lifestyle and left behind all his problems.

``It's really hard, but I'm dealing with it and learning more about it and trying to fight the demons inside me.''

Article from The Mercury.

Posted at 09:51 [Perma-Link]

Life on track

by DANIEL HOY

Brian Schepisi wanted to run his own race when it came to a career, and found a way to do it

BRIAN Schepisi's job keeps him fit, motivates him to train, allows him to collect his kids from school and work the hours he wants.

It sounds the perfect job. Schepisi thinks so.

He is a level 2 distance running coach and a level 1 triathlon and strength and conditioning coach . . . and he runs his own business.

Sporting Spirit has been operating for seven years. After humble beginnings it now coaches 100 to 150 people a year, preparing them for marathons, 10km fun runs or triathlons.

``We were mainly triathlon and running, but we started focusing on the running three or four years ago,'' Schepisi says.

``Now our main focus is marathon, but we do do some programs for 10km fun runs.''

Schepisi and his wife started by running an 18-week program to prepare runners for the Melbourne Marathon.

A program for Canberra followed and now they run marathon training all year round, helping people prepare for events all over the world, including on the Gold Coast, in Boston, London, New York and Paris.

``Last year we had runners do Paris, Boston, Rotterdam, London and Canberra,'' Schepisi says.

``Which is great because they are all at the same time, so they all train together then all go to different ends of the earth.''

The major difference for runners with Sporting Spirit is the individual attention they get, mixed with group training.

Schepisi produces an individual training program depending on the person's goals and running level. He then incorporates them into a training group, at beginner, intermediate or elite level.

``We do a few training camps a year, during the week of the last long run before Melbourne.

``So we go up to Daylesford and mark out some runs. It gets them away from the normal mundane stuff. We also incorporate yoga into the weekend and run the odd seminar.''

Sporting Spirit trains at the Tan track, which surrounds the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. It has six squads a week and two yoga classes.

Most of the clients are inner-city workers, but Schepisi is keen to expand.

``I get phone calls from interstate, from the Mornington Peninsula wanting to know if we run squads in those places.

``Eventually I would like to be able to run the programs with other teachers and run them at other places.

``We get most of the city workers training with us, but it would be good to have some other groups running in other places.''

SCHEPISI also presents running seminars and has contributed articles to Runner's World magazine.

``I did a marathon seminar earlier this year for the Melbourne Marathon. We showed people how they could prepare their own program for the race.

``We showed them the process I go through, setting up a program, then giving them the skills to put it together themselves.''

He also gives a talk on injury and heart-rate training.

After starting his working life as a personal trainer and working in gyms, Schepisi always looked towards the day he would be running his own business.

And he is more than happy finally to be doing it.

For more information: www.sportingspirit.com.au or ph: 9528 1058

Article from the Herald Sun.

Posted at 09:46 [Perma-Link]

Runner breaks 30-year-old record

ROHAN Lindsay-Johns, 15, ends every day with the rhythm of his own thudding footfalls as he pounds out an 8km run.

He is this week's junior Sports Star nominee.

A Year 9 student at Mt Lilydale Mercy College, Rohan is a keen cross-country runner and competed in the Australia schools cross-country championships in Queensland last month.

Rohan and his Victorian team-mates won two silver medals, one for the relay and one for overall team performance.

His performance was, however, hampered when he fell in the race but managed to finish, coming in 22nd in a field of 26.

Rohan was philosophical about the 4km race, putting it down to ``a learning experience''.

``The pace was pretty full-on and I think my strength is in going the long distance, so it was good to learn that,'' he said.

Last month, he also ran the De Castella marathon and placed first in the under-18 and first overall in the men's 7.5km.

He recently broke a 30-year-old school athletics record when he took out the 1500m race in the Eastern Independent Schools competition with a time of 4min 26sec.

Rohan has a hectic schedule, training twice a week with Ringwood Athletics Club and at the Lilydale Athletics Club.

Rohan admires Australian marathon runner Lee Troop for his mental toughness and his focus on challenges.

``When I'm running I'm pretty focused on what I want to achieve and what's ahead of me,'' he said.

`` I don't get distracted thinking about other things it's all I think about.''

If you know someone who has competed at state level or above in their sport you can nominate him or her for a Sport Star award. Phone 9735 1088 or email lilydale@ldr.newsltd.com.au

Article from the Lillydale Express

Posted at 09:43 [Perma-Link]

Guiding hands keep Roy right on course

Visually impaired Canberra runner Roy Daniell finished the Sydney Marathon yesterday the fourth-fastest Australian despite having to be literally pushed in the right direction several times. Daniell finished sixth overall behind Tanzanian runner Oswald Revelian who won in 2hr 26min 03sec, five minutes ahead of the runner- up, Australian Paul Arthur. A bronze medallist a the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000, Daniell has only about 10 per cent vision. In 2000 he relied upon the bright blue line which ran the whole course, but yesterday he wasn't as fortunate. ``The blue line isn't there all the way because they've changed the course a bit and they've taken it away in others because it was a traffic hazard,'' he said. ``It made it a bit tougher this time. Some of the corners were a bit tricky and a couple of times I ran into the person pointing left or pointing right.'' Slight delays aside, Daniell was delighted with yesterday's performance.He felt he was on track to soon beat his personal best and claim the number one world ranking in his disability class. ``I was hoping for about a top-20 finish so to finish fourth Australian was a great result,'' Daniell said. Meanwhile, Arthur maintained his remarkable renaissance and continued his climb out of the ``gutter'' by winning the Australian men's marathon title yesterday. Arthur, a former national half marathon and City to Surf winner, briefly quit athletics after suffering from chronic depression following the death of his father in 1998. He contemplated suicide in the last year after problems with alcohol, gambling and drugs, but recently returned to running and yesterday was the first Australian home in the 42km run from North Sydney to Homebush. NSW Central Coast athlete Arthur, 36, finished in 2hr 31min 28sec. As the first Australian to finish, Arthur claimed the national title and maintained his resurgence since returning to running earlier this year. It was a similar story in the women's event won by Tanzanian Tausi Jumi (2hr 46min 25sec) with the Australian title going to second- placed 36-year-old Queenslander Helen Verity Tolhurst (2:58:58). Suffering from sickness over the last few days, Arthur was content to let Revelian lead all the way in gusty conditions and stormed home over the closing kilometres after at one stage dropping to eighth. ``Twelve months ago, I was basically in the gutter and my coach [Robert Beardslee] had faith in me,'' Arthur said.

Revelian raced the final 10km alone after compatriot Patrick Nyangelo, the recent Sydney City to Surf winner, fell off the pace and finished sixth. Sydney-based New Zealander Damon Harris completed an unusual trifecta when he added the Sydney Half Marathon title (1:07:09) to the 10km Bridge run he won in 2002 and the marathon championship in 2001. Sydney mother-of-two Jenny Wickham won the women's 10km race while the 10km Bridge run events were taken out by Canberra's Scott Westcott (29min 49sec) and Melbourne's Kate Seibold- Crosbie, 34:37.

Article from the Canberra Times.

Posted at 09:40 [Perma-Link]

Arthur goes from the gutter to a title

Paul Arthur maintained his remarkable renaissance and continued his climb out of the "gutter" by winning the Australian men's marathon title yesterday.

The former national half-marathon and City to Surf winner briefly quit athletics after suffering from chronic depression following the death of his father in 1998.

Complete article at The Age website.

Posted at 09:33 [Perma-Link]

Saturday, September 13, 2003

Mona to help nurture marathon stars

BALLARAT'S former marathon champion Steve Moneghetti has been selected to help Australia's next batch of elite athletes reach their full potential.

On Wednesday Prime Minister John Howard launched the program aimed to develop and foster elite marathon runners. Under the scheme, the brainchild of ultra marathon runner and now Liberal MP Pat Farmer, five identified athletes would be assigned a mentor and corporate sponsor to guide them through their career.

The five mentors are Farmer, former marathon world champion Robert de Castella, Commonwealth marathon champion Kerryn McCann, 1990 Commonwealth Games marathon silver medallist Tani Ruckle and Moneghetti.

Mr Howard said sport was not just about athletic ability but commitment, persistence and perseverance. He said even the most committed would admit nobody could make it on their own.

Mr Howard compared politics with a marathon race but said he would remain content with his regular long morning walks.

Article from The Courier, Ballarat

Posted at 09:23 [Perma-Link]

Friday, September 12, 2003

Mottram and Johnson to contest the World Athletics Final

WORLD CUP 3000m champion Craig Mottram has been rewarded for his miraculous return to top form with a Wild Card invitation to compete in the IAAF World Athletics Final in Monte Carlo on Saturday 13th September. Other Australians in action: Benita Johnson, Dmitri Markov and Justin Anlezark.

Mottram ran 13.17.81 for 5000m on Wednesday to record a qualifying performance for the Athens Olympics only 12 weeks after returning to training after missing seven months with a knee injury. As a result the IAAF have decided to invite Mottram as a wild card to contest the 3000m or the 5000m at the 2-day World Athletics Final in Monte Carlo over the weekend (13-14th September).

Complete article at the Athletics Australia website.

Posted at 17:35 [Perma-Link]

Beretta primed for bridge run

SOME 15,000 litres of sweat will be lost, 5000 Band-Aids used, 3000 traffic cones kicked around and 160,000 cups of water drunk.

The 2003 Sydney Marathon Festival will take place on Sunday and Cremorne Point resident and Channel Seven sports presenter Mark Beretta will be taking part.

``I'm a bit of a running junkie,'' Beretta said.