<7.10.06> PHILLIPS GOES “BEYOND THE MARATHON” IN KOREA

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07 Oct 2006

PHILLIPS GOES “BEYOND THE MARATHON” IN KOREA

 

Tasmanian ultra runner, Simon Phillips takes the next step is his distinguished athletics career when he represents Australia in the IAU 100km World Cup in Misari, Korea tomorrow (Sunday).

The event for those who go well beyond the marathon distance of 42.195km, will take place over ten flat laps around the Motor Boat Race Stadium 10 kilometre course.

Australia is focusing on the team competitions, in which the times of the three fastest team members contribute to the final result.

In the men’s event, Australia will be represented by mainlanders Mike Wheatley (Captain), Jonathan Blake, Darren Benson, in addition to Launceston’s Phillips.

Phillips represented Australia earlier this year in the 24-hour world cup and is a very accomplished ultra runner and rogainer.

Wheatley has contested three previous 100km world challenges and rarely runs a poor race whilst Blake was the fastest Australian last year over this distance with 7:08. Benson, the youngest member of the team, will be making his debut.

"The Australian men’s team is the best we’ve had since 1994 but the competition this year will be fierce," said Ian Cornelius, President of the Australian Ultra Runners.

"Italy, Spain, France and Russia each boast several sub seven-hour runners. I predict that we will need to run an aggregate time of less than 21 hours to make the podium."

For the first time in ten years Australia will also be sending a women’s team, comprising of Sandra Timmer-Arends, Viviene Kartsounis and Julie Hooper-Childs.

 

Launceston – 7 October 2006

 

Further information: Brian Roe                                                      0438 604 571