04.12.2008

Canberra Marathon winner to race Fukuoka Marathon

Victorian Mark Tucker, who won the Canberra Marathon and associated Canberra 50km Ultra Marathon in April, is using his Asics travel prize of a trip to a major Japanese marathon to race the famous Fukuoka Marathon this Sunday.

Tucker made his marathon debut in Canberra, winning the standard 42.195km marathon in 2.24.13. He then continued to also complete, and win, the Canberra 50km. He was the first person in the 15 year history of the Canberra 50km to win the marathon and ultra marathon double.

His time in the ultra marathon was 2.53.47, an Australian record.

Tucker, better known as a middle distance track athlete, had announced his retirement from the sport prior to the Canberra Marathon, stating that he just wanted to run one marathon before hanging up his running shoes. However his immediate success over the longer distance led to a change of heart, and Fukuoka will be his third marathon.

He ran his second marathon in July, finishing a close second in the Cities Marathon at Blacktown (NSW). His significantly faster time of 2.17.45 showed that Tucker has the qualities to press for international selection as a marathon runner.

This will be his aim in Japan on Sunday. In particular he will have his eyes set on selection for Australia’s team to contest the 2009 World Cup Marathon, to be held in conjunction with the World Athletics Championships in Berlin in August.

Another former Canberra Marathon winner, Martin Dent will also race in Fukuoka. Dent has been the leading racer on Australian roads over the past few years and will be making a return to marathon running after a long break.

His best time of 2.15.12 was in Canberra in 2004, and his most recent marathon was in Chicago later that year, where he ran 2.15.34. His Australian form, which includes a win in the City to Surf in August, indicates that he is on track to lower his personal best time, and also press for Australian selection.

The 2009 Canberra Marathon will be held on 19 April. Entries for the event will open later this month. Full details are available here