The Melbourne Marathon is an iconic running event and it celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. Five Perth Crew members were part of a 300 plus contingent that travelled over from Perth to participate in this exciting event – Andrea Bell (marathon), Karin Smith (first-time marathon), Leanne Bank (half marathon), me (first-time half marathon) and Sarah Stopher (injured but still ran 5.7 km). More than 32,000 entries were received across the five events and Melbourne turned on a near perfect day with warm but still conditions - reaching a balmy 22 degrees.
After having spent the Saturday day preparing our gear, taping up knees, picking up race bibs, hydrating, getting nervous, carbing up…….all of us were down at the MCG early on race day. There were so many emotions and nerves but we were all excited to be at the “G” and see it all set up for the event ahead.
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| Hot air balloons in the morning |
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| My knee all taped up |
First off at 7 am were the marathoners. Sarah and I escorted Karin Smith to the starting line on Batman Avenue. There were hot air balloons everywhere and a fantastic atmosphere. Karin was so nervous but she had worked so hard and despite a last minute health scare for her leg, she was ready and with one last hug we said “see you for lunch” and off she went. We KNEW once she started that she would make it to the end. I’m not sure she was so convinced but we certainly were. Once the marathoners had left – my nerves really hit. I had an hour to get myself prepared, my bag dropped off, a last loo stop, a warm up and a stretch etc. Then it was down to the start line for me too.
The start was really exciting. There were quite literally 1000’s of runners heading towards the city then past Flinders St station and onto St Kilda Road. I was pumped!!! After about 4 km, I pulled back my pace and let the excitement settle and started taking it all in. St Kilda Road is magnificent. The Arts Centre, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Botanic Gardens, Commercial Road and up to the Junction…….the heart of Melbourne. As we ran up St Kilda Road towards the junction, the half marathoners started to cheer because the leading marathon runners were heading back towards the G (they had already done close to 30 km). It was so inspiring to see these guys, the focus in their eyes was amazing and they were running faster than I can sprint. I was struck by the incredible spirit, camaraderie and support that all the runners were showing to each other.
By the time I got around Albert Park Lake and was back on St Kilda Road, I was starting to fatigue a little. Suddenly I felt an arm come around my shoulder and it was Andrea Bell saying to me “you can do this”! This was one of those classic Perth Crew moments and it felt like a warm hug enveloping me. I could do nothing but whimper as Andrea charged off to finish her marathon. She looked back a bit worried but I was fine and it was JUST the boost I needed to JFDI. Eventually I hit the 20km mark and there were photographers everywhere so time to get my “sexy on”, get the sunnies off and start flashing a few good smiles!! One last down hill bit and it was into the “G”……my goal was to be upright when I ran across the line and that I did! I ran into the G - OMG OMG OMG!! Time to stop and give my legs a good slapping (literally) so I could still walk and wait for everyone else.
We were getting updates on Karin’s progress and we knew she was not far away. Unbeknown to us – Andrea Bell had gone back to the course (after running 42.195 km) and found Karin and ran the last km with her. The emotions were flowing thick and fast for Karin and to have Andrea with her on that last bit was another amazing Perth Crew moment. Karin crossed the line knowing she had done it – she had run a marathon!!!
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| Karin getting her Marathon Medal |
We all did it!! It was a special day and a special race with a little pirate and a little angel watching over us as we ran.
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| Karin & I |
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| Karin & Sarah |
Sarah did a PB, Karin and I “popped our cherry” for the full and half marathon and Leanne and Andrea smashed it. Throughout the event, we were getting a stream of messages and posts from Perth (and beyond!) wishing us luck and cheering us home – I love Perth Crew!
Written by Moira Clay, 12wbt Perth Crew Member
You can read Karin's marathon story here!
