Doubts Cast On Sydney Marathon
Friday 1 June 2001ASICS MELBOURNE MARATHON
To: News Editors - Radio Newspapers & TV
MEDIA RELEASE
JUNE 1, 2001
DOUBTS CAST ABOUT THE RIGHT OF ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA TO CONDUCT SYDNEY MARATHON
In anticipation of an announcement from the office of New South Wales' Premier, Bob Carr, Joe Murphy, Race Director of the Asics Melbourne Marathon, today expressed concern that Athletics Australia proposed to continue with its plans to stage a marathon on October 28 in Sydney, despite the fact that AA does not have a permit to run the event and is breaching its own rules.
The 23 year old Melbourne Marathon was rejuvenated in 2000 after a three year sponsorship deal was signed with Asics Tiger Oceania which ensured that the event would continue until 2002.
Race Director, Joe Murphy stated "We were able to offer Asics a three year partnership on the basis that we had date protection for the Melbourne Marathon after Athletics Australia granted the event a permit for those three years. Essentially, we believed that the permit system protected us from a national championship being staged 4 weeks before our event and 6 weeks after, and, in fact, the permit system specifically states that it exists to protect established events.
"I am currently taking legal advice and I am in discussion with our sponsors regarding appropriate action, as I believe that a contract exists with Athletics Australia as the result of obtaining our permit. Given the lateness of the announcement there is no opportunity to reschedule either event and the impact of staging both events within weeks of each other in October can only be a negative one for the sport.
"The marathon has a positive economic impact on Melbourne and Victoria. The event has always attracted a healthy contingent of overseas and interstate visitors. Last year over 700 participants traveled to Melbourne to participate.
"It is difficult to understand the rationale behind Athletics Australia's involvement in the Sydney Marathon and its wish to stage it in competition with a long standing and successful event such as the Melbourne Marathon. Marathons in Sydney have a checkered history. There is also a question hanging as to whether, given the decline in membership of state athletic associations, that entrepreneurial ventures such as this are being pursued at the expense of grass roots track and field athletics. "
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FURTHER INFORMATION:
Joe Murphy, Asics Melbourne Marathon
03 9381 4666, 0418 399 925
FAX: 03 9381 4777
