Runners from 12 countries will compete at the fourth annual Marathon and Festival of Distance Running on May 17 and 18.
The four-event format will cater for runners and walkers of all abilities;
Top-flight athletes from Africa are expected to dominate the Green U 45km marathon from Lorne to Apollo Bay on Sunday, May 18.
Runners on the Great Ocean Road during the marathon of 2007
Kenyans David Mutua and James Mugo Kariuki, winners of the past two marathons, will face a strong challenge from an enthusiastic Ethiopian contingent.
The event’s patron, marathon great Steve Moneghetti, will contest the 14km Geelong Advertiser-Paradise run on Saturday, May 17, then line up in the Fagg’s Mitre 10 23km half-marathon from Kennett River to Apollo Bay on the Sunday.
“Take it from me, the Great Ocean Road Marathon is one of the world’s most spectacular runs,” Moneghetti said.
“But you don’t have to be a champion to take part – there’s a course and distance for everybody and the road is traffic free.”
A feature of the program this year is the introduction of the TAC Wheelchair Athletes’ Challenge, to be held in conjunction with the Apollo Bay-Paradise event.
The winner of the wheelchair challenge for participants with disabilities, will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Honolulu Marathon in December.
The leaders make their way towards Apollo Bay in the background during the 2007 Great Ocean Road International Marathon
The weekend’s festivities will commence with the SCODY 6.5km Apollo Bay-Marriner’s Lookout event on the Saturday. The Great Ocean Road Marathon and Festival of Distance Running was founded in 2005 by the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce.
More than 2000 runners and walkers participated in the 2007 events.
Entries close May 5.
Entries can be made on-line: www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au
More information by calling event organiser, Caribou Publications: 03 5224 2466.
FURTHER CONTACT:
John Craven
Marathon Director
Ph: 0408 558 469
Ross Stephens
Marathon President
Ph: 0418 996 290
Leanne Freeman
Marathon Co-ordinator
Ph: 0402 088 763
Words courtesy of Caribou Publications.
The Licorice Gallery will provide a pictorial coverage from the event.
