7 Marathons in a year ... my biggest year yet

2024 was the year of the Marathon! 7 in total - a new record for me. I didn't set out 12 months ago to achieve this - it just sort of happened. Having done 7 would I do it again? Probably not. I'm not chasing a number or a series or anything like that. In short, it got harder as the year wore on - and my motivation dwindled (for lots of different reasons). Here's a review of the 7: JANUARY - Cadbury Hobart Marathon. Planned. Great to start early in the year. Made for a fun weekend away with friends. What's not to love about Tasmania?

MARCH - Wangaratta Marathon. Planned. A reason to go and visit friends in Wangaratta. Funnily enough, they left town to visit other friends so we had their place to ourselves! A typical little country event. I died in the second half and had to work hard, but got it done.

APRIL - Ballarat Marathon. This wasn't planned at all! I think it was the result of too many red wines after Hobart and the crew having such a good time together that we planned anther weekend away. And it was a ripper inaugral event. Well done to Ballarat. And here the journey takes a previously unplanned route ...... suddenly we have a Boston Marathon qualifying time in our family and we're starting to dream ...

JUNE - Brisbane Marathon. Unplanned. Snuck away by myself on a secret mission - get a BQ! And I did! Fastest marathon of the year and I'm stoked.

AUGUST - Sunshine Coast Marathon. Ths one was planned and booked late 2023. A great weekend with our running crew, including watching the Olympic Marathon together the night before. Not a great run as I was unwell coming into the event and blew up, but still a goodie.

OCTOBER - Melbourne Marathon. Number 12 for Melbourne and this one is a standard, 'don't think, just enter'. I hope to get to 15 and get a blue Spartan singlet. Anything after that is a bonus.

DECEMBER - Honolulu Marathon. This one was planned as well and coincided with a birthday trip.

Strava tells me that I did more hours and more kilometres than 2023 - and the story above tells some of that. So it's been fun, but I'm looking forward to 2025 and doing just a few. 1. Melbourne - of course. 2. Boston - that's the biggie. 3. Inverloch - rinse and repeat of the Ballarat story! and maybe 4. Sydney. Im in the ballot but who knows, we have to wait and see. Signing off on 2024, the year of the Marathon.

Honolulu Marathon December 2024 - "There is no time limit, just Aloha spirit"

“There is no time limit, just Aloha spirit”

The finish line stays open till the last runner crosses. This is the Honolulu Marathon bringing the Aloha spirit to life – and the event’s significant point of difference. It invites everyone to participate in the marathon. It’s open and inclusive. And with this comes the event’s greatest strength – and its biggest challenge. That’s what finds me at 5am outside the Ala Moana Shopping Centre with 28,000 other people ready to run. It’s already hot and its crazily packed and busy. The invitation to all runners worked. They are ALL here. With a really cool fireworks show to kick start the event, it’s GO!

Don’t worry about correct corrals or what your bib says about where you should line up. It’s too dark so no one can see anyhow. Just start. Fast? Good luck trying to get through the crowds. Slow? No worries, just go out at your own pace from wherever you want to start. Walking? No problems, wherever you like. 5 wide? Sure, anything goes! Pacers? None available, and just as well, it would be a terrible pacing experience.

For reasons I don’t understand they started the 8,361 10km runners and the marathoners together. It’s really crazy. I’ve never seen so many walkers on a course at the start of 42 kilometres. Once the fireworks are done it is dark and it’s almost impossible to get into a rhythm, have any clear track or get settled for the first ten kilometres until the 10km runners pull off. And then when the course opens up just for the marathoners, it gets hilly! And the sun comes up ...

Overall, the course was far hillier than I was expecting. I was thinking of running alongside beautiful oceans and beaches, with an ocean breeze keeping us cool as surfers waved from their boards and the swell ran them alongside us. Not quite the reality! Instead, think of main roads past houses with big fences (where oceans lie beyond). The hills undulate up and down, but it sure feels like more uphill that never ends! The last one particularly nasty with 3km to go. 99% of the competitors around us were walking at this stage – us included.

Of the 28,000 runners, 9,000 of them were from Japan, hence the Japan Airlines sponsorship of the event for 40 consecutive years (an impressive number as this was the 52nd running of the event. Impressive. And this helps makes it the fourth biggest marathon in the US. Is it as a result of its size that there is no course etiquette? Need to walk? how about right in the middle of the road. Need to stop? Don’t bother pulling off to the side, just stop wherever you are. Need to update or check on your socials? Sure, just pull out your phone and do so without a care or thought for anyone else around you, just your clambering audience on line.

The winner was Yemane Haileselassie from Eritrea in 2 hours 12 minutes, with Cynthia Limo defending her title in 2:31.The last runner crossed the line some time after 16 hours, 17 minutes and 16 seconds: the Aloha spirit, still alive and welcoming. We went back to the finish line around 8pm – some 13 hours after start time. It’s impressive to watch these people. Their engagement with their families is captivating. What entails an individual to run/walk for more than half a day only to finish by themselves? This was a highlight of the day. (Here's one above after 15 hours - good on him).

Aloha was right throughout the event for the excellent and enthusatic volunteers. They were all very encouraging and bubbly which is just what you needed. Also what you needed was drink stations aplenty - and they delivered - because it was hot. Dripping hot. Gatorade and water supplies aplenty (and gels too) to keep you cool, and some hoses for sprinkling which was nice and welcomed The marathon finish line is always a lovely site, but this one was special.

The last 2.5km are downhill and it’s a long shute and you finish along Waikiki beach. That’s pretty cool. And an excellent runners area for recovery and then a post run swim was very refreshing!

ANDREW'S RATINGS! ORGANISATION 7 This would have been a 9.5 but for the chaos at the start. Otherwise everything else was top notch. The Expo, the finisher area, the communication. All world standard. CROWD 6 OK. Pretty good. Not outstanding. Those who had hoses out for a cooling spray got bonus points! ATMOSPHERE 7 Whenever a course takes over the heart of a city it gets a big tick from me. That’s what I love about big city events. The priveledge – and it is that – of running in a closed city. The logistics invooved boggle my mind. But Im grateful and thankful for those who make this happen so that we can pay our entry money - whether we walk in the middle of the road or whatever – but I'm thankful for this unique sport giving these unique experiences. On the Friday night there was an official opening ceremony and lighting of the torches. Nice touch.....

And on the Saturday a 1 mile fun run and an elite mile race. Builds great atmosphere ...

COURSE 7.5 Hillier than expected! They get bonus points for lots of drink stations and lots of good volunteers. That was top notch, Gatorade and water. And the most medical tents Ive ever seen. I'm thankful for volunteers who stand there all day to say “don’t eat the Vaseline”!! EXPO 8 Excellent organisation and easy to get to and to get your bib. Bonus point was “Medal Monday” where the Expo stayed open for runners to collect printed certificates, have photos, buy merchandise and more. That was a first. MEDAL 9 I like how Americans like to wear their medals around for days after the event. In Australia we tend to get the medals to the showers and they’re never seen again!

RUNNER'S PACK 6 A t-shirt – after the race (which I like) was it. INJURIES 0: No black toe nails! 8 December 2024 https://www.honolulumarathon.org/ There is no cut off time.

Oh, the irony! Cadbury Hobart Marathon Jan 7, 2024

 

7th January 2024

I find some irony in Cadbury chocolate sponsoring a marathon. 

Growing up I remember Marlboro cigarettes sponsoring the tennis and Benson & Hedges the cricket, but we never thought anything of it.  Couldn't do that today! Thankfully, chocolate is still allowed to sponsor running events but I still think its funny.

This event is a great running tradition in Tasmania. The 41st running in fact. And this year was their highest participant numbers ever.   

The event starts and finishes at the Cadbury factory in Claremont, about 20kms outside of Hobart.

That's me in the green top/white hat on the left heading off from the start. Only 42.1km to go!

Not the biggest marathon but a really nice event. About 300 in the full and 600 in the Half. There's also a 10k, 5k and 1k family run. 

The course is 2 laps, beginning with a couple of laps around the old factory workers area and then out past MONA and over the bridge and back. 

It's rather different to train for and run a marathon in January - you never know what the weather will be like. But it was spot on. 24 hours later it was wet and would have been nowhere near the fun. 

Hobart has another marathon event starting this year in April in downtown Hobart. That could impact this one, but its heritage - and free chocolate - will help! Did I say that Cadbury gave us chocolate in our post-event showbags? 

Even Deeks on the chocolate ... a nice touch 

We had a great weekend away and a great start to the running year.  

 

Lots of excitement for a photo with some poor volunteer sweating up in a frog suit!! 

ANDREW'S RATINGS!

Organisation	8		Yep, all good. They know what they're doing and do it well.  It was all very casual and all very relaxed. Just rock up and run.  There was a muck up with the Half where they ran a bit longer, but that was a bit of a mistake, that's all.  Given the size, bag drop and bib collection were really easy. Lots of nice vollies too.   Only criticism was the return bus journey which was not well organised.
Crowd	2		No spectators to really mention out there.   One great fan on course side calling everyone's names, but that shows how few were to be found!
Atmosphere	7		Good feel. Everyone was chilled and up beat.  A great example ... who would have thought that the most prized photo after the event was a snap with Freddo Frog or Caramello Koala!   There was a runner dressed as an Oompah-loompah - and carried chocolate around in a wheelbarrow, smiling happily the entire way!
Course	6		Couple of laps around the Cadbury factory and then we were away on course. It was much hillier than I was expecting. Not so much undulating as big hills with gradual climbs. Must make mention of the last km which is Cadbury Rd and is pretty much 1km up hill!  340 metres elevation over the entire course.
Expo	1		Wasn't one, it was pick up at a Hobart sports store.
Medal	8		Good medals:
Runner’s pack	6		Score higher points because its the only (post event) showbag I can remember that has given us chocolate!!
Injuries	0		No black toe nails!

https://cadburymarathon.com.au/

Gold Coast Marathon, 2 July 2023 - 7 years revenge!

2 July 2023

7 years is a long time for revenge!  But revenge becomes sweeter with time! 

Back in 2016 I took on this event with big hopes for a PB and, unfortunately, it ended with me sitting in the gutter, no PB, and definitely a feeling of Gold Coast 1: Andrew 0. 

So there was unfinished business to be done in 2023. 

This was me in 2016. Worst marathon day ever!

Back then I labelled it deserving of the title of "best marathon in Australia". Would I still say the same all these years later? 

For a start, perfect GC conditions.  No wonder so many Melburnians come up here in winter!  Low of 14 and high of 21 is just perfect. 

So many visitors.  Obviously they are doing a great job with the Japanese tourist market, building year on year to where some of the Japanese nationals are now 30 year runners! Good on them. And winning the men's event too. 

Overall, 28,000 runners over the 2 day event. 6,722 of those doing the marathon. 

So a great event, but also tragedy when 1 person dies and 1 person is in ICU.  We saw people in the hands of medics - and we are always extremely grateful for them.  The person who passes away was just "metres from the finish line" and had a cardiac arrest. A traveller from France in his 50s on holidays.  That could have been me travelling to France in my 50s instead. 

With satisfaction I looked back at the 2016 event and reviewed the photos.  I remember in detail how bad it was! Yes I was slower this time but 20% slower doesn't match 80% more enjoyment!  

So is it still the best marathon the country has to offer?  

Melbourne has sold out months ahead of its 2023 event.  Sydney is working hard to win its World Majors title. And I experienced Brisbane just a few weeks ago. 

So the ultimate ranking is in.  If I could choose to do one marathon in Australia to show off the best we have to offer, I would still say this is "the best marathon in Australia". 

But the result is different this time:   Gold Coast 1: Andrew 1. 

My event ranking:

Including a comparison to the 2016 event. 

Organisation	2016: 9 2023: 9	They bring everything together so well. To a standard seen at even bigger events around the world.   I'll repeat what I said in 2016 because 'when you're on a good thing, stick to it'...  Its easy (free transport); its user friendly (lots of space, signs, etc); its runner friendly (huge drink stations and a dedicated runners area after the finish line).  Compared to Melbourne and Sydney it really is a notch above.
Course	2016: 7 2023: 7	Sunrise over the Gold Coast never looks so good as coming out of the dark at the start and crossing the bridge and heading towards the beach.  Parts of the course heading south are starting to get a bit squeezy. Not as bad as other events, but if they want to increase the numbers this will have to be considered.  And really clever to start the marathon heading south and then the 10km heading north on the same day. Marathoners finish the day running the same 10km segment.
Atmosphere	2016: 8 2023: 8	So many big Aussie names.   Seeing legends like Eloise Wellings (4th) and Liam Adams (3rd) on course is a buzz. Liam ran the fastest marathon by an Aussie on Australian soil in 2:08:39.
Crowds	2016: 7 2023: 7	Like it was in 2016, I'll call it "best in Australia". It's because its the GC and so many people are outside and cheering along so much of the course.
Expo	2016: 7	No score this year because we were late (due to flight delays) and ran in to collect bibs just as it was closing!  But I'm scoring them up - knowing we were running late I sent a message via social media mid-flight and got a response back in 5 mins. They gave me the office number to call and they said, very calmly, that it would all be fine and I could collect my bibs in the morning if needed. Very impressive customer service.
Medal	2016: 6 2023: 8	Yep, definitely gone up a notch.
Runner’s pack	2016: 7 2023: 9	One of my bug bears is bad t-shirts. Especially when the event has a big apparel sponsor.  The designs are a matter of opinion and I haven't been a big fan of the GC designs, but I really like this tshirt  - subtle on the front and loud on the back.  And good quality. Thanks Asics.  And I like how you collect your medal, tshirt and mini towel as you exit the runner's precinct, via your short size!! (Which is also labelled on your bib). .
Injuries	2016: 6 2023: 0	Nothing really - the big black toe nail from Brisbane a few weeks ago probably just got bigger!

Obligatory daggy kiss the medal photo!

https://goldcoastmarathon.com.au/

Runjani.com
@runjanji

Brisbane Marathon 2023

 

4th June 2023

Brisbane's a beautiful city for running.

It’s the first week in winter and it comes with an overnight low of 15 degrees. A high for the day of 24. Perfect.

This makes the prospect of running here enticing! (As compared to the gloves and beanies I’ve been wearing in training).

Welcome to the 2023 Brisbane Marathon. 

It's not a huge event. 7 or 8 thousand people across the 4 distances.

The Half and Full go off together at the same time - 6am. I quite enjoyed having both events on course at the same time and the two laps of the same course gives you lots of people to see. (There’s also a 10km and they would really struggle going fast and having to pass the slow longer distance runners.) 

 

And I do love a big city marathon.

They close the Storey Bridge only four times a year - and this is one of those days. That’s cool. It’s an iconic landmark of Brisbane and worth running over.

There's a couple of other unique elements too ...

    * There’s a boardwalk (New Farm River Walk) that's about 30m into the water - and you run along that.

     * Starts and finishes in the Botanic Gardens. Good on them.

Finish Line video!

 

 

It was a really nice size event. Not too big. Not too small.

A nice tshirt and nice medal. 

I keep writing the word ‘nice’. And I think that’s what it was. Nice is about right. Not ‘gobsmacking outstanding’. Not ‘oh that was ordinary’. Everything was just about right.

What can I complain about? Nothing comes to mind. They close the roads and give us the city for the day. Nice!

I’d definitely encourage people to do it. You can’t lose. Make a weekend of it. What a great winter escape.

 ANDREW'S RATINGS!

Organisation	9		Nothing to fault really. The Expo bib collection was straight forward. Lots and lots of volunteers. Lots of drink stations (water and electrolytes).
Crowd	8		Around the start/finish in the garden it was great. And the few spectators on the Bridge was cool. Out the back of the course there was a few.
Atmosphere	7.5		If you didn't know the event was on in town it would be easy to miss.
Course	8		The highlight is the Storey Bridge.
Expo	4		The Expo was at the start/finish area.
Medal	9		Really nice (there's that word again!)
Runner’s pack	7.5		Not a bad tshirt.
Injuries	1		Just a doozy of a black toe nail. On my big toe.

Obligatory daggy kiss the medal photo! (Storey Bridge in the background)

https://www.brisbanemarathon.com.au/

Runjani.com

@runjanji