<5.1.07> - Cadbury Marathon This Sunday


06 Jan 2007

 

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Cadbury Marathon this Sunday

 

This Sunday will see hundreds of elite athletes and recreational runners tackle times, each other and personal dreams in the 24th Cadbury Marathon.

Any marathon is a big event, but this year the Cadbury Marathon is supported by an array of events, being;

·        Cadbury Marathon – 6am

·        Cadbury Half Marathon – 7am

·        Caramello 5km Fun Run – 8:45am

·        Freddo 2.5km Fun Run – 8.45am

·        Development Clinic – Saturday 5pm

This years Cadbury Marathon which also doubles as the Tasmanian Championships sees many familiar names taking part.  Making her debut over the marathon distance on Sunday will be World Orienteer Champion and 2006 TIS athlete of the year Hanny Allston.  Allston has been in great form recently, after beating the whole Richmond Football Club in a race around the tan track in Melbourne last month.  She also won the race to the taste last week and defeated Australian Cross Country Representative Kylie Risk in the process.  With the forecast set to be perfect for distance running, Allston could almost start spending the time bonus on offer for breaking the course record of 3 hr 9min 28 set by Margaret Taylor in 2000.

In the Men’s Marathon, 2002 Australian Marathon Champion Jeremy Horne will be returning to Hobart.  Horne won this event in 2002, then went on to win the Australian Title later that year.  The man dubbed ‘the fun run king’ will be the one to beat come race day and the current course record of 2.23.59 is only 1min quicker than Horne’s personal best.  18 year old Tasmanian Cross Country representative Geoff Cassidy will be looking to keep up with Horne as long as possible as he makes his debut over the Marathon.

The Women’s Half Marathon has attracted two of the best distance runners in the country.  Launceston’s current Australian Marathon Champion Jenny Gillard is in good form after defending her Point to Pinnacle title recently  and will receive stiff competition from Victoria’s Robyn Millard, who was second in the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon in May 2006.

The Men’s Half Marathon is wide open and looks to be the toughest of the events to win on the day.  Reigning champion Mark Jackson is back to defend his title, along with previous winner Jason Allie.  Matt Guy who was 3rd in the Point to Pinnacle recently will also be out to improve on that performance

The 2007 Cadbury Marathon has attracted entrants from all states of Australia, New Zealand and the UK.  Olympic rower Simon Burgess has also pre-entered for the full marathon.  Burgess has broken 3 hours for the distance previously and has the fitness to be fighting for a podium finish this year.

Cadbury characters Freddo will be on hand providing chocolates to all participants, as will Caramello.  Both have been awarded for their outstanding efforts in recent years by having events named after them, being the Freddo 5km and Caramello 2.5km.

Entries will be taken on the day or register at Talay’s sportstore before noon on Saturday to take advantage of the discounted pre-entry rates.

Hobart  – 5th January 2007

Further information: Richard Welsh (AT)                          6234 9551 / 0409 820 248