Taking on a marathon is a feat in itself, but when it’s on the other side of the country, it’s an effort that does not go unnoticed.
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Two Deni runners took on the Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Run Festival on August 2.
The popular running course now has added significance, as it’s the location for the Olympics in 2032.
Bruce Maunganidze was one representative who travelled to Queensland for the event, achieving his goal of running a sub three-hour marathon.
“It was awesome, the atmosphere was just great and the weather was perfect,” he said.
“The goal was to do it under three hours. The official time was 2:59:56.
“I was happy with that, even though the start gun time was 3:00:12, it was very close, just a few seconds.
“It was not as hilly as Melbourne and Sydney (marathons) but the last 6km were just tough.
“That’s when you go hard, even if you don’t want to.
“It was mind over matter and just willing the body to get to the end.
“Knowing I achieved that is pretty special, it is the first time for me under three hours.”
At the Sunshine Coast, Bruce managed 4:15 minutes per kilometre for the 42.2km - a personal best for him.
“I did the Sydney marathon last year in around 3:06, so I probably shaved six minutes off my best time.
“For me, it was all about getting more running experience.
“Previously this year, I did the Ballarat marathon. I had the goal of under 3:06, and it was a bit colder and I did it in 3:08 which was very disappointing.
“I changed my training from just running and incorporated some strength training, which helped.
“Also, the absence of injuries during training this time around made a big difference.
“I only started running three years ago, but I am getting older.
“I will probably try a new limit, and maybe try get under 2:55:00.”
“I’ve signed up for the Melbourne marathon in October, but I’ll just be enjoying that; I won’t be going hard.”
Rachel Braybon also took on the Sunshine Coast challenge, completing the half-marathon while wearing her Deniliquin Rovers gear.
“I did it with some uni girlfriends.
“A few came up to Deni for New Year's Eve and the idea began then.
“We are still all connected via a Whatsapp group, even though we all live in different towns, and I had been training for the last four months.”
At the race, Rachel said there were many runners and supporters.
“There was a lot of logistics because of so many people. I was glad I was with a group of locals.
“There were a lot of funny signs like keep ‘chafing’ your dreams and a lot of funny Aussie humour.
“There were so many people cheering from the side of the road, everyone was very supportive.
“I’m an ex Deni Rovers player, and now my children play there, so I thought the gear might help push me on and help regarding sweat.
“I also met Johnathan Thurston after the race, he also did the half-marathon, and Buddy Franklin was the other lead person for the event.”
“I was a turtle among the hares, but I did get a PB.
“It was good fun, and it was great weather. We might have to make it an annual girls’ trip.”