RUNNING
The running of the 51st Traralgon Marathon went off without a hitch on Sunday in what race director Phill Mayer described as “perfect running conditions”.
“It started very foggy and cold and icy and people turned up with their gloves and leggings and long tops on but by mid-morning it was beautiful and sunny and we couldn’t have asked for better weather,” Mayer said.
Runners in the marquee marathon event were first to set off for Toongabbie from the starting line and were soon followed by the half-marathon and the 10-kilometre runners which attracted the most participants of any event.
“There was a huge contingent in the half-marathon but there were even more in the 10-kilometre [run] which has become a real community event,” Mayer said.
“I think it’s an achievable distance for a lot of people so they want to jump in and have a go.
“We actually had over 150 entrants in the last week before and ran out of race numbers, which was fantastic.”
The field was made up of first-time marathon runners and many who have gone the distance before and “know the process”.
“It was really exciting. There’s always nerves at the starting line which is great to watch but it’s positive nerves and not negative,” Mayer said.
One entrant ran the full marathon with her dog and others walked in the 10-kilometre event with babies in prams.
“We consider the Traralgon marathon the friendly marathon,” Mayer said.
“Usually marathon events won’t allow people to run with dogs or with headphones in but we’re a bit more relaxed, which is fantastic.”
The main event started and finished on the fire track at the Traralgon showground which created a funnel where supporters lined the fence to cheer runners along.
“I ran with a few friends and when we came through we had the announcer calling your name as you cross the line, the time was up on the screen so you could see what was going on … it was really friendly with everybody supporting each other and shaking hands,” Mayer said.
James Vince took out line honours in the marathon in a time of 2:42.47 and was followed by Mark Rowe in second in a time of 2:43.00 and Peter Cutler in third in 2:43.19.
Full results for all events are available at traralgonmarathon.org.au/
