05.10.2006

Troop to set the pace at 2006 Samsung Melbourne Marathon

One of Australia's most recognisable track and field athletes, Lee Troop, will be participating in the Asics Half Marathon this Sunday, a feature race of the Samsung Melbourne Marathon event.

Undertaking the role of 1 hour 30 minute pace maker, the dual Olympian is looking forward to the challenge of assisting as many runners as possible to finish within this time.

Joining the record number of general participants, 2006 Samsung Melbourne Marathon race favourite, Rod De Highden, will be looking to add another marathon title to his belt. With a personal best time of 2:13:53 and the experience of two Olympic Games and several marathon wins, Rod hopes to end 2006 on a high.

The Asics Half Marathon will see many of Victoria�s top endurance runners take to the road. Lisa and Kylie Dick will be competing alongside Kirsten Jackson and Leisa Smith who will be jostling for the top spot in the women�s race. In the men�s field, keep an eye out for Ashley Searl from Glenhuntly.

The 29th running of the Samsung Melbourne Marathon will take place on Sunday 8th October 2006. It will follow the traditional course, starting in Frankston and following the beach road to Melbourne's beautiful boulevard of St Kilda Road before finishing beneath the Arts Centre Spire.

More than 7,000 runners are expected to participate over the three events, many endeavouring to emulate the feats of three-time Melbourne Marathon conquerors Sherryn Rhodes and Andrew Lloyd, and two-time winners Margaret Redan and Magnus Michelsson.

Late registration is still open for all events - the Samsung Marathon (42.195km), ASICS Half Marathon (21.1km) and the MaraFun Run & Walk (7.5km) � on Friday 6 October from 8.00am to 7.00pm and Saturday 7 October from 8.00am to 5.00pm at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Event enquiries:
Kim Phillips � 1800 155 366 or kphillips@imgworld.com

Media enquiries:
Sam Cairncross � 0413 706 425 or marathonmedia@hotmail.com