Internationally accredited Westlink M7 Cities Marathon -an overwhelming Success!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The newly IAAF accredited, Westlink M7 Cities Marathon, held Sunday, July 29, 2007, along the M7's Shared Pathway , was hailed a success amongst competitors, sponsors and supporters with Glenn Guzzo of Epping finishing the course ahead of 153 competitors in the internationally recognised course record time of time of 2:24:57. Glenn also won the inaugural event in 2006. Glenn collected an $8000 first place winners cheque for is efforts
The 42.195km marathon was held in perfect weather conditions, starting in Liverpool at 6.30am at Ash Road Sports Field, Prestons. The course then travelled along the Westlink M7 Shared Pathway some 30 km to Warrimoo Drive , Quakers Hill, when it turned back and continued to the finish line at the Athletics Centre, Blacktown Olympic Park in Rooty Hill.
Following Guzzo's impressive efforts his fellow competitors were not far behind;
2nd Place Mens - Damon Harris of Quakers Hill - 2:31:13
3rd Place Mens - Mark Hutchinson of Woodford - 2:35:04
4th Place Mens - Lazhar Hamadi of Kensington - 2:38:27
5th Place Mens - Steve Politi of North Strathfield - 2:45:00
1st Place Womens - Magda Karimali-Poulos of Taren Point - 2:45:30
2nd Place Womens - Helen Stanton of North Lakes, Queensland - 2:50:43
3rd Place Womens - Verity Tolhurst of Cronulla - 2:55:43
4th Place Womens - Rosemary Roediger of Castle Hill - 3:11:32
The Acting General Manager of Westlink M7, Mr Brett Williamson , said that the Westlink Sharded Pathway provided the perfect route tructure to hold such an event.
"The Marathon has once again been a huge success and Westlink M7 is thrilled to have been a part of it.for the second year. Congratulations to everyone involved and to all the competitors on their efforts. Westlink M7 is looking forward to the continued success of the Westlink M7 Cities Marathon over the next two years having already committed $60,000 in sponsorship for the next two years, Mr Williamson said.
The Westlink M7 Marathon is unique worldwide as the only Marathin to be held on a route that is 100% traffic free, allowing competitors a smooth run without curbs and gutters and the worry of traffic.
Still dubbed as the new marathon for Western Sydney, it is expected interest will increase for the 2008 marathon as it is now internationally accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
"This year's Marathon has set the benchmark across the country for a race that is completely uninterrupted by traffic and pedestrians Mayor of Blacktown Cr Leo Kelly declared at the end of the race.
"Blacktown City Council is proud to have been involved in resurrecting the Cities Marathon in Western Sydney and we will continue the tradition in 2008 and beyond with next years Marathon already in the planned for Sunday, July 27, 2008", Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM said.
The 2007 Westlink M7 Cities Marathon was a joint venture between Westlink M7 Motorway, Blacktown, Liverpool and Fairfield City Councils. To check the 2007 Westlink M7 Cities Marathon results visit www.multisportsaustralia.com.au or to register your interest in the 2008 Marathon please phone Blacktown City Council on 9839 6075.
