11.05.2009

Fearnley rolls on to another marathon win

Australian athlete Kurt Fearnley has won the Seoul International Wheelchair Marathon for the third time.
 
Fearnley edged out local hero Suk-Man Hong of the Korean Republic and South African Ernst van Dyk in a bunched sprint of six, finishing in a time of 1:29.49.
 
After a tough six-week schedule that has seen him win in Paris, London and now Seoul, Fearnley is looking forward to heading home for a well-earned break.
 
“I’ve managed three from three this year and it’s nice to be on a bit of a roll but I’m looking to forward to getting home and giving my arms a rest,” Fearnley said.
 
“It’s been a really successful period for me and one that’s ticked a few career goals. That was my last race for a while so I gave it everything I had,” he added.
 
Since his runner-up finish in the corresponding race last year Fearnley has been undefeated on the road, with four victories over 10km to go with his six marathon wins, highlighted by last month’s London Marathon, a third straight New York title in November and Beijing Paralympic gold.
 
Fearnley will now have a four-month break from international competition, spending his first winter in Australia since 1997.
 
“My schedule this year has a couple of tough book ends with three marathons early and two or three at the end," he said.
 
"I normally spend a month or two in the US over their summer but this year I’ve got a few things to achieve out of racing so I’ve decided to take a break and enjoy an Aussie winter.
 
"With the way things are lining up, I might be able to race a couple of times in Australia this year which will be a nice change. While I enjoy racing anywhere, there’s nothing like a good home crowd cheering you on.”