Host City Marathon

Held 30th April 2000, North Sydeny to Homebush Stadium, 4796 finishers.

Quotes and other reviews
Sydney Marathon Set To Be Annual Event
Selection trial highlights The Host City Marathon
More Host City Marathon Details

Full Results For All Runners

here

Summary Results

splits 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 21.1km, 25km, 30km, 35km

Male

1. Rod DE HIGHDEN (VIC) 2:16.36
(splits 15.53, 32.06, 48.05, 1:04.26, 1:08.02, 1:53.44)

2. Magnus MICHELSSON (VIC) 2:17.08
3. Shinji KAWASHIMA (JPN) 2:17.16
4. Mark HUTCHINSON (NZL) 2:18.26
5. Lee TROOP (VIC) 2:18.50
6. Tadayuki HASHIMOTO (JPN) 2:18.56
7. Julian DWYER (VIC) 2:19.45
8. Chris DAGG (NZL) 2:20.51
9. Nobuyuki SATA (JPN) 2:21.12
10. Takayuki INUBUSHI (JPN) 2:21.27

Female

1. Susan HOBSON (ACT) 2:35.20
(17:19, 35:03, 52:34, 1:10.44, 1:14.41, 1:29.08, 1:47.50, 2:07.00)

2. Eri YAMAGUCHI (JPN) 2:36.48
3. Sherryn RHODES (VIC) 2:42
4. Kayoko OBATA (JPN) 2:43.10
5. Isabella DE CASTELLA (VIC) 2:45.25
6. Samantha HUGHES (QLD) 2:45.38
7. Nelly MARMY CONUS (VIC) 2:48.17
8. Joy TERRY (ACT) 2:49.49
9. Helen-Verity TOLHURST (QLD) 2:51.28
10. Mika NEGISHI (JPN) 2:52.28

Report

Four Australians have filled the top 10 places in the Host City Marathon in Sydney, with Victoria's Rod de Highden winning the event in a time of 2:16:36 hours. De Highden ran a perfect tactical race, and finished outside the Olympic "A" qualifying mark, reeling in frontrunner Magnus Michelsson in the last 2km to win in 2 hours 16 minutes and 36 seconds in warm, sunny conditions on the Sydney Olympics course.

Fellow Victorian Magnus Michelsson led for most of the race but he was overtaken by de Highden approaching Stadium Australia, who went on to win by 28 seconds. A tiring Michelsson was second (2:17:08) and Japan's Shinji Kawashima (2:17:16) was third, but the other big winner will probably turn out to be Lee Troop, who was fifth overall. As the second Australian home behind De Highden, who had previously bettered the qualifying standard of 2:14, Troop is favoured to join him and his coach Steve Moneghetti in the Olympic squad.

Japan's Shinji Kawashima finished third, while Victorians Lee Troop and Julian Dwyer were fifth and seventh.

In the women's race, 42-year-old Perth mother of two Susan Hobson won in in 2:35:20, giving her a seemingly cast-iron grip on a position in her third Olympic squad.

De Highden, Troop, Pat Carroll and Ray Boyd went into today's race knowing they had to be in the top two Australians across the line who had bettered the qualifying mark to earn a berth in the Olympic team alongside Moneghetti. The task was tougher for Michelsson, a former triathlete who also had to run under 2:14 today in warm conditions on a hilly course not conducive to fast times. He did everything possible, running alone virtually from the start until being passed by De Highden inside the last 2km in the shadows of the Olympic Stadium. By that stage, Michelsson knew his Olympic dream was over, but he had no regrets at adopting the risky tactic of frontrunning.

Training partners De Highden and Troop ran together for much of the race, and even after the eventual winner broke away at the 33km mark, Troop was able to hang on for fifth place in 2:18:50 in only his second marathon. The 27-year-old has only been back in training for the last eight weeks after recovering from a stress fracture of the hip that ruled him out of the entire summer track season.

"I've come here and I've delivered everything I set out to do five years ago, I'm back to where I love the sport, I'm back to where everything in my life is going great," said Troop, who moved from Geelong to Ballarat five years ago to receive tutelage from Moneghetti. "Everyone talks about that certain strength that Mona has, I think today I've shown a glimpse of that strength. I came here with a task and fulfilled what I had to do on a limited preparation," added the 5,000m national record holder, who was so exhausted he could remember virtually nothing of the last 3km.

Pat Carroll was seen walking at 31km clutching a cramped hamstring, considerably off the pace.

Hobson had to run with a group of male runners because there was no-one in the women's field likely to keep pace with her. She led at each split time and despite being slightly disappointed by her eventual winning time of 2:35:20, was confident she deserved a spot in the Olympic team to be announced next month.

"I think given my last three marathons and what I have done previously, I have done enough," she said. "I would be very disappointed if the selectors don't adhere fairly closely to the selection criteria ... because if they do that it will probably go in my favour."

Quotes and other info

Information prepared by: SOCOG Olympic News Team

SYDNEY - At 82 years, and in maybe his 50th marathon, Robert (Bob) HORMAN today completed a unique Olympic milestone. HORMAN, who holds the World Marathon Record for over 80-year-olds, crossed the line in 4:04.50. He described the Olympic course as "psychologically damn hard". This is the opinion of a man who should know. In 1952, HORMAN completed his first marathon in Melbourne in a race that was designed to test the 1956 Melbourne Olympic course. "I reckon that I am the only bloke to have helped pioneer two Olympic Marathon courses in Australia," HORMAN said today. As a member of the Queensland Marathoners and Road Runners Club, HORMAN travelled from Brisbane with about 30 other members of his club. His training partner, Bob MILLER, also raced today, completing his 15th marathon, the last five of which have been with Bob HORMAN. "The club is staying at a couple of lodges over near the start, and we will go back there this afternoon to where it all began," MILLER said. "We are all booked to come back in September to watch the Olympic Marathon. The good thing about having run today is that we will be able to look at the Olympians and know how they are feeling, because we have felt the same pains and emotions on the same parts of the course today."

Chris WARDLAW - Coach of Men's Marathon winner, Rod De Highden
- Former Olympic Marathon Representative
- National Track and Field Coach.

"Before the race, I said to Rod that you are just going to have to pick him off, because no one is going to negative split on that course." " Magnus is a couragous runner, but it was predictable. There was no way that anyone was going to run a qualifier on this course, but he didn't have one, so he was always going to try."

Was it important for him to win?
" No, he just had to be the first qualifier home, and he did the job. The goal was to make the Olympic team and he did it."

On the course:
"It is bloody hard. It is a real championship course. I am pleased though because Monna [MONEGHETTI] and Kerryn (McCANN) are going to be real tough nuts on it. Rod too. Because they all run real well on hills."

On his own race:
"I last ran a marathon back in 1981 in China. I ran through half-way in 64 mins and finished in 2hrs 38mins, so that was a tough one." "Today, I did it because it was the Olympic course. Gerard BARRETT and I had the same drink table. Gerard finished first in the 1980 Olympic Marathon trial and I finished third behind Deeks (Robert DE CASTELLA). That was a strong field, but at the Games, we had three DNFs. [Finished in approximately 2:54.]

Course Review

SYDNEY - The Olympic marathon course has received the thumbs up from the leading group of athletes in The Host City Marathon held today. First across the line and winning his place in the Olympic Games team, Rod de HIGHDEN (VIC) said the course was a true marathoner's course. "The winner on this course at the Olympics will need to be a very good marathoner, a very strong marathoner. I think it will be good course for the Australians, we are all good hill runners...The Anzac Bridge was the first big test - it was an absolute delight to get to the top." The Japanese Olympic marathon team ran The Host City Marathon primarily to get a 'good feel for the course'. Finishing in third place, well outside his personal best, Shinji KAWASHIMA (JPN) said during the race he was thinking about how he could win on this course during the Olympics. "It is a very tough course. During the Olympic Games I am sure there will be a big pack together at the 28km mark, about the start of the climb up Anzac Bridge, and this is where the race will really begin", he said. When asked what he thought about running in 'beautiful' Sydney he said the course was too tough to enjoy looking at the scenery. Winner of the women's race Susan HOBSON (WA) said the support from the crowd on the course gave her a lift, but said she found the down hill running just as hard as running up the hills. "The second half of the course is very undulating, and there is hardly any time to get into your rhythm."

SOCOG Race Director, Dave CUNDY, said he was disappointed there were no Olympic qualifying times recorded on the course. "We knew it would tough but we are elated at the response by athletes and the feedback on the course - that it will make a fascinating Olympic marathon to decide the medals."

ORTA Transport Director, Jeff AMOS, said the closure of roads for the 42km event was a major logistical exercise. "We commenced closing roads at 2am and everything went according to schedule using 23 road crews to manage the closure and reopening of the course.

"We had to tow 300 vehicles off the course but the closing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was the main focus. It went very smoothly and was opened 15 minutes ahead of schedule."

"From the Transport Management Centre, there were no major problems across the course which suggests Sydneysiders heeded our call to avoid all marathon routes this morning." More than 2000 volunteers and staff were involved in the staging of The Host City Marathon, which numerically is the biggest event SOCOG has held.

SYDNEY - Youngest finishers aged two and three. Pushing a pram around the shops is a commonplace sight. Pushing one in an annual 14km City To Surf is also something we've all seen before. But running 42 kilometres pushing two kids? Crazy!

Kevin Silvy of Mt Riversview, decided to give his two young sons Max, 3 years, and Tim, 2 years, "something to look back on." The trio completed the race from North Sydney to the Olympic Stadium in four and a half hours. The boys looked remarkably unfatigued by their trek around the Olympic marathon course, and even Dad looked surprisingly fresh. Today's Host City Marathon was not Kevin's first. He ran the Anzac Day Sydney marathon ten years ago. Back then it was the challenge and the fitness benefits associated with training for the event which motivated him to tackle the 42 kilometres. This time his thoughts were more with his sons.

"I wanted to take them on the journey, give them a feel for it all." Kevin is sure he'll do another marathon but thinks he'll give the stroller a miss next time. His sons didn't offer to swap places this time but Kevin thinks they might return the favour when he's a bit older.

WINNERS QUOTES

First Male & Female

1st place Men's , Roderic DE HIGHDEN (VIC):
When asked about his strategy: "I concentrated on the other qualified runners. I settled down in a group with Lee TROOP (VIC), then the Japanese guy (Shinji KAWASHIMA) got away. I was just trying to chase Magnus (MICHELSSON). I caught Magnus just 200m outside the stadium." "I'm very happy - to win the trial and got a qualifying time."

When asked about his performance: "It was a lot better than Atlanta, at Atlanta I was dying just when I was running into the stadium so this time it's great.

When asked about his time: "It's a solid course. My splits were about even so I was quite happy, I wanted to be running on at the end and I was very happy."

On slow early pace: "No, I was aware that the course was going to be difficult and I was conscious of the other qualified athletes and I knew if Magnus was good enough on the day he would do it. Coming toward the end I was half disappointed that he was coming back to me because it was a brave effort."

On catching MICHELSSON: "I saw Anne Lord at the bottom of the hill at 40km and she encouraged me to go on and catch him and that was good enough for me."

On the course: "It's a reasonable course, I mean I just tried to maintain my rhythm. As a result I was able to keep running over it. Definitely when you get tired it starts to take its toll. Today was a good day and hopefully October will be another good day. "I was conscious of whether Magnus was going to get the qualifier so I was aware of that in case Lee TROOP came up and got me."

On qualifying for the Australian team: "It is up to the selectors, but I am pretty sure I have run a qualifying time. Hopefully they will look upon me as good enough to make the team."

1st place Women's, Susan HOBSON (WA)

After crossing the line on her win: "I felt strong, but very tired - I can feel the three marathons in my legs. I had company (ran with men) most of the way.

On selection: "I really can't say whether that will get me in the team. At least I ran faster than Silvana Trampuz ran in the London marathon, so that may help my chances."

On the course: "Good course, but very tough. Heading back into the city there was a headwind, and the whole second half of the race feels like it is slightly up hill. I ran through halfway in 74:45 - which is a bit slow."

1st place Women's, Susan HOBSON (WA) After crossing the line on her win: "I felt strong, but very tired - I can feel the three marathons in my legs. I had company (ran with men) most of the way. On selection: "I really can't say whether that will get me in the team. At least I ran faster than Silvana Trampuz ran in the London marathon, so that may help my chances."

OTHER QUOTES

Japanese third-placegetter, Shinji KAWASHIMA:

"I wasn't concerned with getting a place. My aim was to try out the course. I wanted to go with the pace in the beginning. And in the last part, from about the 28km mark on, I wanted to test myself and see how I coped with the course and fatigue. "During the race, I kept thinking about how to win the race at the Olympics. At the Games, the winner over this course will probably run 2:10."

On the course: "The Anzac Bridge is where the race really begins - it is the second start. The last half was quite hot. My legs have cramped a little and will be quite sore tomorrow. "It's a good course. The race starts getting competitive from the 28km, that's where the top group will make their moves during the Olympics."

3rd Australian, Lee TROOP:

"At 23km, my feet were getting blistered, and I had shin splints a couple of weeks ago. I started doing it tough from there. But when I felt myself dropping, I just pushed harder. From around the 39km mark, I don't remember much. I just remember Monners [Steve MONEGHETTI] yelling out "Olympics" and I thought, "right - keep it going". And I next remember waking up on a drip."

On MICHELSSON leading most of the way: "I commend Michael [MICHELSSON]. He knew he had to have a go and had to win. And he got caught at 41km, so that's a great run.

Mens, 2nd place, Magnus MICHELSSON

The others went too slow, i had to go. I was saying during the week if i had a qualifier i was ninety five per cent sure i would be in the team. I didn't thinbk anyone would go with me I though if i don't do well it's because i'm going to have to go for the time and if they reel me in that's the way it goes. There was no point going slow, we weren't going to qualify if we didn't go faster. There was not much ai could do differently, except run a bit quicker maybe I really needed someone with me. Running solo means you can think about the clock but it emans youhave to do every step by yourself. Five kilometres out from the finish i knew i couldn't make the time anyway so i was justvtrying to get to the line. I was hoping i would be first Australian. I missed out by thirty two seconds on getting into the team for Seville

2nd place - Eri YAMAGUCHI (JPN)

"The 26-36km section of the course was very hard." "The race was very good experience for me. It was preparation for the Olympics - to check the course." "I must practice more hard. Before the race I was a bit nervous."

Japanese Coach: Koji SAKURAI

"They (the Japanese team) have the experience to run the Olympics. This time was just experience to run. It was a relaxed run for them. I didn't expect such a good pace."

3rd place - Sherryn Rhodes (VIC)

"The course was very tough after the Anzac bridge. The crowd was good. The conditions were all right." "Regarding my time, I would haved liked to have been a bit faster." "I didn't look at my watch. I just ran" Weather: "At the start I thought it was going to be hot but once I got started, it was good." Course: "I liked it but the last bit...it was really hilly."

Men's 13th Ray BOYD

I am a bit disappointed, this is the same position i finished in for Atlanta, fourth qualifier and they take three Ballsy race Magnus, nearly stole it, fantastic effort The race went well, it is a very tough course. It's hard at the start because there is so much downhill, it is not until you get to Anzac paragde that you can get into a rythm I went through a bad patch at 23 k, i got back into the pack for a little while but that wa ait, they got away a litle bit. It was slow at the start, Sean ( QUILTY) and Magnus ( MICHELSSON) were the only ones who needed qualifiers. They wil have to take Rod Monna's and Lee TROOP, the next finisher with a qualifier. You win some you lose some.

WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE QUOTES

1st place, Kurt FEARNLEY (NSW): "The course is awesome for me, I'm a little light guy with fairly good ability to climb hills so it really suited me down to the ground."

"It was my first marathon and it was great to be able to do it through Sydney, and great to see everyone out on the streets cheering us on."

"The atmosphere was great but it's not going compare to what it's going to be in October, I don't think."

"It's just a really great course and a really great finish for me."

3rd place, Aaron GORDIAN (MEX): "It is a very good course - easy. I am very happy with this race. I am looking forward to the Paralympic race. My last marathon was in February in Gvadalajara, Mexico City, in 1:29.

4th, John MACLEAN (AUS): "I am pretty tired from doing the Boston Marathon so recently. I was up with the leaders until Oxford Street, when I got dropped on the hill. But I'm pretty happy with my race and the time was better than I expected.

"It is a good course... this will help my training. I seem to be better at these longer distances."

"I was a bit tired after doing Boston, cause I did Boston on the 17th, and so I'm a little bit flat."

"I was up with the lead for the first bit, coming up Oxford Street they just started putting a bit of a gap into me. So I just need to work on a little bit of hills and we should be right for later on in the year."

"The one [the hill] that really got me was that one going up Oxford Street because the guys were just a little bit ahead and started pulling away, if I was able to hold on I would have been able to do it a lot easier."

FACTS

No. of finishers - 4796
Last to finish - Brad Reed, a 35-year-old NSW resident Crowd - 17,623

CELEBRITY RESULTS

Former AA Media & Marketing Manager, David Culbert. The long jumper was going fine until the 30km mark with in five minutes he went from running comfortably to struggling. He pushed on to finish in 3:43.25, placing 1468th.

Melbourne Age Journalist, Len Johnson faded over the later part of the race, hitting the line in 3:17.48, to place 657th.

Australian Olympic Track and Field team, head coach, Chris 'Rab' Wardlaw was completing in his first marathon for nearly 20-years. Rab coasted home in 2:56.46, to pace 178th in the field.

This page last updated: Saturday, 10-Jan-2004 20:59:56 EST