Melbourne Marathon 2008
The 2008 Melbourne Marathon has been run, and there remain eleven Spartan Legends who have completed all 31 runs.
Jack Gubbins did not start, at least in part, because he had an injury which had been mis-diagnosed. Shirley Young was withdrawn on medical advice at the 33 km mark after falling. Shirley is arguably the most recognisable runner in Victoria and I hope to see her and husband Ron on shorter runs for years to come.
The finishers in race time order were: Wayne Thompson, John Dobson, Bruce Hargreaves, Manny Karageorgiou, Neville Gardner, John Dean, Frank Biviano, Peter Ryan, Roger Weinstein, David Foskey and Peter Battrick.
Another nine (I think) runners completed their 30th.
John Dean as President of the Spartans club did an enormous amount of work for the club and the event, although he took time off during the year to complete the Comrades.
IMG continues to improve the day which is attracting even more participants through the 42.2, 21.1, 10 and 5.5 k distances.
November 27th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
A little belated, but can I use this forum to pass on my thanks to the legend who got me through my first marathon - and not just a finish, but probably as good as I reckon I could have run it. I think it was Bruce (?) - back marker on the 3:45 group - whose chatter and advice was invaluable, inspirational and motivational. My stretch goal was to break 3:45, and the pain of the day - and following days - was a lot easier to take knowing I did it.
Thanks,
Simon
November 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Simon,
yep,
That was me.
It was a pleasure helping you and the others to the finish and achieve you goals.
Remember to make yourself known to me, if we end up at the same run again.
Regards,
Bruce Hargreaves
Spartan No 39