News & Events

• 42.195 kilometres Liverpool to Blacktown - Sunday, July 29, 2007

It's time for serious athletes in Western Sydney to gear up for the 2007 'Westlink M7 Cities Marathon' on Sunday, July 29, 2007. The marathon will return once again after attracting over 100 competitors from across Australia and internationally for the inaugural race in 2006.

Led by Blacktown City Council with support from Westlink M7 Motorway, Liverpool and Fairfield City Councils, the 42.195 km is expected to attract a a number of serious competitors out to break records.

The marathon will again use the Westlink M7's Shared Pathway, which runs parallel to the Westlink M7 Motorway in Sydney's west. Starting in Liverpool the marathon route will take runners along the Pathway to a point some 30 km along when it will turn back and continue to the finish line at the Athletics Centre, Blacktown Olympic Park in Rooty Hill.

Over 20 athletes have already registered for the 2007 marathon.

Legendary Marathoner and former Australian Marathon Champion Steve Moneghetti will also, once again compete in the marathon after completing the inaugural marathon track last year running in fourth place.

Moneghetti described the 2006 Marathon as unique; "This is a unique event because it is held on a cycleway/walkway that is totally traffic free, allowing for a smooth running event. This is the first time I have run this type of course and I must say it is a result of forward thinking in terms of liability concerns and traffic by the Council and Westlink. Other runs across the country I think will look at this concept and start using it," he said.

The marathon will start at 6.30am from Ash Road Sports Field, Prestons and will travel along the Westlink M7 shared pathway until Rickard Road, Quakers Hill (turnaround point). Participants will then head back exiting at the pedestrian and cycle underpass north of the main western railway line, Rooty Hill that leads back through Nurragingy Reserve to the finish line at Blacktown Olympic Park's Athletics Facility on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill.

A minimum prize pool of $30,000 will be available thanks to the generosity of naming rights sponsor Westlink Motorway.

Entry into the Marathon is $80 per person (including a Marathon T Shirt) and entrants must be over the age of 18 years old. Entry forms, course maps and race information can be accessed on www.citiesmarathon.com.au or by phoning Council on 9839 6000.