Home > Recreational Running > Recreational Running News > Cadbury Marathon promises record numbers
04.01.2008
Organisers are expecting record numbers in near-perfect running conditions for the event, which will double as the Tasmanian State Marathon and Half Marathon Championships.
The half marathon course will start at the Cadbury chocolate factory, take along the Derwent River towards the Derwent Entertainment Centre, then head back through Claremont, Austins Ferry and the Cadbury Estate before finishing at the factory.
Marathon runners will need to complete it twice for the distance, but will benefit from an absence of any major hills - an incline over roughly 250 metres the only obstacle.
While the event won’t showcase the country’s leading distance athletes, the projected number of competitors - poised to break 2007’s Cadbury Marathon record - speaks volumes.
Such is the lure of the long distance that is being embraced by more and more Australians.
“We are currently in the midst of a marathon boom in Australia, and the Cadbury Marathon is pleased to be a part of this,” said Athletics Tasmania’s Richard Welsh. “In 2007, Cadbury, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne all set record numbers of participation and Athletics Tasmania is delighted that this trend is continuing in the first marathon of 2008.”
“It is a great time of the year to visit Tasmania and that has shown in the entries, as we have participants from every state in Australia as well as New York, Italy, Mexico, Malaysia, UK and New Zealand.”
While finishers will receive a commemorative medal and certificate, trust a beeline will be made for the free chocolate bar offered by Cadbury - a well-earned treat.
“I am yet to meet a runner who doesn’t like chocolate, so to start and finish a race at a chocolate factory is just reward for everyone participating,” he said. “This is the 25th straight year that Cadbury has sponsored the race, so it proves that chocolate and running are a great mix.”
A bonus of $1000 is also on offer for anyone who breaks the marathon course record; Colin Oliver’s effort of 2:23.59 has stood since 1995 while Hanny Allston (pictured) set new ground last year in 2:46.27.
The course record kitty will be halved with the distance; $500 is on offer should the men’s and women’s respective records of 1:06.00 and 1:14.00 be broken.
The marathon will commence at 6am and the half marathon at 7am, while the Caramello 1.25km (8:45am) and Freddo 5km (8:55am) will follow.
“Competitors will also be safer this year, as there will be a lane closure on the Brooker Highway for the first time, which is great, given it is Tasmania’s busiest road,” Welsh added.
For more information on the Cadbury Marathon, including how to enter, click here
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Cadbury Marathon promises record numbers
Chocolate and running will go hand in hand when the 25th edition of the Cadbury Marathon is contested in Hobart on Sunday.Organisers are expecting record numbers in near-perfect running conditions for the event, which will double as the Tasmanian State Marathon and Half Marathon Championships.
The half marathon course will start at the Cadbury chocolate factory, take along the Derwent River towards the Derwent Entertainment Centre, then head back through Claremont, Austins Ferry and the Cadbury Estate before finishing at the factory.
Marathon runners will need to complete it twice for the distance, but will benefit from an absence of any major hills - an incline over roughly 250 metres the only obstacle.
While the event won’t showcase the country’s leading distance athletes, the projected number of competitors - poised to break 2007’s Cadbury Marathon record - speaks volumes.
Such is the lure of the long distance that is being embraced by more and more Australians.
“We are currently in the midst of a marathon boom in Australia, and the Cadbury Marathon is pleased to be a part of this,” said Athletics Tasmania’s Richard Welsh. “In 2007, Cadbury, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne all set record numbers of participation and Athletics Tasmania is delighted that this trend is continuing in the first marathon of 2008.”
“It is a great time of the year to visit Tasmania and that has shown in the entries, as we have participants from every state in Australia as well as New York, Italy, Mexico, Malaysia, UK and New Zealand.”
While finishers will receive a commemorative medal and certificate, trust a beeline will be made for the free chocolate bar offered by Cadbury - a well-earned treat.
“I am yet to meet a runner who doesn’t like chocolate, so to start and finish a race at a chocolate factory is just reward for everyone participating,” he said. “This is the 25th straight year that Cadbury has sponsored the race, so it proves that chocolate and running are a great mix.”
A bonus of $1000 is also on offer for anyone who breaks the marathon course record; Colin Oliver’s effort of 2:23.59 has stood since 1995 while Hanny Allston (pictured) set new ground last year in 2:46.27.
The course record kitty will be halved with the distance; $500 is on offer should the men’s and women’s respective records of 1:06.00 and 1:14.00 be broken.
The marathon will commence at 6am and the half marathon at 7am, while the Caramello 1.25km (8:45am) and Freddo 5km (8:55am) will follow.
“Competitors will also be safer this year, as there will be a lane closure on the Brooker Highway for the first time, which is great, given it is Tasmania’s busiest road,” Welsh added.
For more information on the Cadbury Marathon, including how to enter, click here
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