Training pays off in the long run
2009 Melbourne Marathon Report
The Man
On a bright Sunday morning, more than 20 Melbourne University Athletics Club athletes competed in the biggest marathon festival in Australia, the St George Melbourne Marathon. The Australian and Victorian Marathon Championships were on the line as well as the Australian University Distance Running Championships over the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km distances.
Six MUAC athletes tackled the daunting full marathon and, on a ‘perfect day for running’, four personal bests were set. Andrew Selby Smith, selected to represent Victoria in the prestigious teams event, ran a strong race to slice 90 seconds off his previous best and run 2:29:08. Andy was delighted with his first marathon under 2:30 and a top 15 in the Australian Marathon Championships. David Paroissien, recently retired MUAC Winter Manager, in only his second marathon ran a spectacular race to finish in 2:38:40, a six minute improvement and a top 30 finish. Matt Irons completed the hat trick of PB’s, running 3:05 and backed up by hosting the post marathon party on Sunday afternoon. Al Bryant Smith, on a lightning visit from Ballarat, made her marathon debut with an amazing 3:18 (and a PB). Andrew Moore, in his 22nd Melbourne Marathon, run an impressive 3:07 with an injured knee and little training. 
Tom Barnes walked the marathon in an amazing 3:18, including 20km with Olympic representative Jared Tallent. His preparation for the 50km walk is clearly on track.
Good performances weren’t restricted to the full marathon, with myriad PB’s in the shorter races as well. Tim Thomas, Richard Dutton, Kris Lam, Carsten Murawski fought hard for the title of first MUAC athlete in the half marathon, while Jess Davis, Sarah Castelino, and Lim Shueh Hann were too busy racing each other to notice anyone else. Also out for a race was Madeleine Oldfield in the half marathon. MUAC Winter Captain Sophie Barker came 6th in a high quality 10km field with Sarah Emons not far behind. David Ulbrick ran the 10km race he wished he’d run at the University Games a week before and came away with yet another PB.
MUAC club members also flocked to the course to support their friends, led by middle and long distance coaching supremo Tony Brain. Kate, Elaine and Ailsa were prominent on the course with their giant ‘Go MUAC’ sign and raucous cheering. Also out for a Sunday run were Zac, Myrella, Grant, Rosie. Further support came from Chantal and Shalinda out on the course.
Post race massage, refreshments and gossip were held at the luxurious and friendly Melbourne University Sport marquee overlooking the course.
