Melbourne Marathon

Following the completion of the National Orienteering League season in Tasmania, Victorian Nuggets and Melbourne Forest Racers pair Bruce Arthur and Blair Trewin tried their hand at marathon running.

The Melbourne Marathon returned to its traditional route from Frankston to the Melbourne Arts Centre, following the edge of Port Phillip Bay. The point to point route is susceptible to wind, and a strong westerly made going tough for about 10km in the middle of the course.
Arthur's running club mates warned sub 3hr debut time with no marathon specific training was unlikely, however Arthur said his elite orienteering training and strength would get him through.

Arthur and Trewin ran together at 4m/km pace for the first 10km. Trewin incresed the pace a little, but came back before long and the two were together at half distance. Arthur continuted strongly to create a minute gap at around 35km, but was pegged back slightly at the end by a strong finishing Trewin to both finish within the same minute. Both had the distinction of passing Steve Monaghetti in last km who was pacing a mate of his. The race was started by marathon legend Robert de Castella.

Results
1 Nick Harrison 2:23:30
2 Andrew Walters 2:26:41
3 Magnus Michelsson 2:27:57
33 Bruce Arthur 2:52:13
36 Blair Trewin 2:52:54
Official Results at http://www.melbournemarathon.com.au/