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State of Origin battle in ASICS Melbourne Half Marathon
Victoria has often claimed to be Australia’s athletics capital and on Sunday 12 October state pride will be on the line when Australia’s top distance runners go head to head at the ASICS Melbourne Half Marathon which incorporates the 2008 National Road Running Championships.
Part of the Samsung Melbourne Marathon, once again the ASICS Melbourne Half Marathon has been fully subscribed in 2008. Sixty-one athletes representing their state/territory will join more than 7500 weekend warriors on the flat and fast course which incorporates a number of well-known Melbourne landmarks, including a one-lap finish on the hallowed turf of the MCG.
All teams will be decked out in their state uniforms, and in addition to bragging rights and the national title, runners will also be chasing their share of the A$3,500 prize money and A$10,000 in prizes on offer for the event.
Event organisers IMG have provided travel and accommodation assistance for competitors from each state and territory to ensure the race is a truly national competition.
Leading the charge for Team Victoria on their home soil, is Beijing marathon runner Lisa Weightman who will have a fight on her hands to fend off fellow Victorian Nikki Chapple in the women’s race.
Weightman has had a stellar 2008, helping steer Australia to a team bronze medal at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, before competing in her first marathon in London, finishing 13th in a time of 2:32.22 - the second fastest marathon on debut by an Australian woman.
Her performance in London helped her secure a position on the Australian team for the Beijing Olympic Games, where the 29-year-old finished in 33rd place in 2:34:16.
Meanwhile, Chapple has re-emerged after a promising junior career that saw her compete at the 1998 world junior championships. The 27-year-old has just returned from a stint in the United States at the University of Iowa, and has impressed her peers with victories in the Victorian Half Marathon Championships and Adelaide’s City to Bay, where she defeated Australian Cross Country Champion Eliza Stewart.
Commonwealth Games marathon runner Lauren Shelley (WA) is also expected to be a threat for the title along with South Australia’s Tara Palm and the big improver Claire Goldsmith from Western Australia.
The men’s race is tipped to produce a Victoria versus New South Wales sprint to the finish, with Tim Rowe (NSW) and 2003 world championships and 2006 Commonwealth Games marathon representative Shane Nankervis (VIC) starting as joint favourites for the men’s title.
The team from the ACT is also expected to be strong with Anthony Haber, Scott McTaggart and last year's Samsung Melbourne Marathon winner Rowan Walker all expected to be in the mix in the final stages of the race.
More than 20,000 runners are expected to toe the start line on Sunday 12 October for the 31st edition of this iconic Melbourne event. In addition to the Asics Half Marathon being sold out, the Coffee Club 10km Run has also reached capacity and only limited places remain in the Samsung Melbourne Marathon and Active Feet 5.5km Walk/Run.
To submit an entry, please visit www.melbournemarathon.com.au/
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