Canberra Marathon 2011

By Don Roach

 Don Roach and Dave Graham run past Old Parliament House

On Wednesday the 6^th April I arrived back in Canberra after completing the ADF 10 Km Road Championship at the Jervis Bay Airfield (JBAF), still undecided if I would run in the Canberra Marathon to be held the following Sunday 10^th April. That evening, I finally made up my mind and entered, knowing it was probably my last chance to crack that elusive 4 hour barrier. My previous best time was in 2009 when I ran 4:00:27.

At 0645 on a drizzly Sunday morning with the temperature around 16º, I lined up with 2,500 other runners competing in the half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon. At 0700 the starting gun fired and, with the rain getting heavier, I headed out on my fifth Canberra Marathon. After the half marathon turn off, with fewer runners on the course, I was able to settle into a steady pace. I was enjoying the run at that stage, chatting with other runners who I had met at different events but still keeping up a pace that would get me under 4 hours. By the 35 km mark I knew that if I could maintain my current pace, I would achieve my goal.

With the clock showing 3:57:52, the rain still coming down and the temperature down to 13º, I crossed the finish line very wet but very happy. I waited at the finish to cheer Dave Graham on as he went through on his way to completing the Ultra Marathon in a time of 4:44:55.

Next challenge; the 6 Ft Track in under 6 hours.

Results for Navy Running members:

Ultra Marathon:     CMDR Dave Graham - 4:44:55.

Marathon:                LEUT Rowan Walker, RANR - 2:24:14 (winner)

                                     CPO Peter Berry 2:59:48

                                     CPO Simon Butterworth - 3:19:49

                                     Mr Don Roach: 3:57:52

Half Marathon:       LCDR Joanne Haynes – 1:51:25

                                    LEUT Danielle Radnidge, RANR - 2:08:21