LIAM DURKIN
ATHLETICS
TRARALGON HARRIERS By LIAM DURKIN THEY don’t call it the friendly marathon for nothing. The annual Traralgon Marathon and Running Festival is on this Sunday, June 4. Runners from across the region, across the state, and even across the country will gather at De Grandi’s Winery (formerly Traralgon Vineyard) and set about pounding the pavement for the full marathon, half-marathon or 10-kilometre run. The Traralgon Marathon is steeped in history, and proudly holds the title as the oldest continuous marathon in Australia. Participants will take off for an ‘out-and-back’ course on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. The full marathon goes all the way out to Toongabbie and then turns around. While there will no doubt be runners looking to set a personal best time, the purpose of the festival is to celebrate all things running. Hence the name, ‘the friendly marathon’. Traralgon Harriers Athletics Club run the event, and president Phill Mayer said it was all about community and seeing people complete what they set out to achieve. “There is always those people that are going to go out and smash a good time, and we have some great athletes who are coming along, but the majority of the participants there are just there for personal achievement, finishing and getting across the finish line, there is a lot of people that come and do their first marathon at Traralgon because it is friendly, welcoming and supportive,” he said. “I think there is going to be a lot of personal stories of overcoming adversity, it is going to be a great day. “We’re very proud of the iconic status that it’s achieved. I often speak to people who say they want to be part of the history and come and run our wonderful event.” Hospitality will play a key role in the day, with all participants given a sizeable feed post-race. Speaking from personal experience, you will absolutely smash the post-race meal. Also speaking from personal experience, you will be well supported along the course, with race officials clapping you through at various stages. Regardless of what time you clock, all competitors will be presented with a medal once they officially cross the line, in keeping with the Harriers mantra that ‘to finish is to win’. If you are looking to set the pace, try and keep up with Harriers members Zack Beasley and Narelle Crozier, who took out the men’s and women’s marathon last year. Beasley ran an insane time of 2.42:18 last year. Around 10 months of planning goes on behind the scenes, and Mayer, who is also this year’s race director, wished to pay tribute to all involved. “You could not put an event like this together without the volunteers,” he said. “The Harriers members and committee are fantastic, they’ve stepped up to make sure the event happens. “There is a lot of energy that goes in behind the scenes, and also community, sponsors and people like the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, Neighbourhood Watch they come and do all the marshalling, Morwell Rotary, they jump in and provide volunteers … it really is a big community event, and of course the winery are going to be great hosts.” When asked for any tips to prospective runners, Mayer had this advice. “Make sure you get a good night sleep beforehand, overtraining is often a thing, so people should be tapering now, no more long runs,” he said. “Have some fun, if everyone goes out with a view to enjoy it, finish it, people will knock off the times and achieve what they need to achieve.” The sense of achievement cannot be understated, although speaking from personal experience for the last time – after completing last year’s marathon, you will more than likely won’t be able to walk for two days (literally). The starter’s gun will go off at 8am for the marathon, with the half-marathon and 10km event to follow at 9am and 10am. Bib collection will take place in Kay Street, Traralgon from 2pm-4pm near the cenotaph on Saturday, and on Sunday at the winery from 7am.
