Synopsis

The Samsung Melbourne Marathon attracts competitors from all over Australia as well as international elite marathon runners all chasing course records and major prize money. The course has been redesigned to start and finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and pass through many well known Melbourne landmarks along the internationally accredited course.

The Melbourne Marathon attracts elite athletes and everyday runners alike, including the renowned Spartan Athletes. Spartans are runners who have completed in 10 or more Melbourne Marathons, recognized today by their distinctive green, blue, red or black vests each with their own personalized race number. The black vests are worn by the Spartan Legends who have completed every Melbourne Marathon since the beginning in 1978. The vest is worn with pride by all Spartans as a sign of their dedication to marathon running. Club records today reflect a total of over 1000 athletes who have now qualified as Spartans from countries all over the world.

In the men's race in 2009, Ethiopia's Asnake Fekadu became the first international athlete in 25 years to successfully defend his Melbourne Marathon title, and Lisa Flint, a 24 year old from Newcastle, NSW, took line honours in the women's race. Flint beat pre-race favourite, Japan's Satoko Uetani, by 46 seconds, smashed her personal best time by more than 13 minutes, and recorded a Commonwealth Games qualifying time. In 33rd year, the Melbourne Marathon had a record field of over 23,000 runners and walkers.

Date:October 2010

Duration:1 x 52min highlights programme

Rights:All media rights

Territories:Worldwide ex Australia