Runners join forces for marathon effort

TWO separate elite FNQ running squads will come together this afternoon with an aim of breaking a world record, of sorts.

Distance running group Pace Running and athlete development squad Aspire will attempt to run a sub two-hour marathon, breaking the event into 105 laps of Barlow Park’s 400m track, plus a final 195m to ensure the full distance.

Pace Running coach Jill Boltz, an Olympian in her younger days, said the club had wanted to attempt the twohour marathon relay for some time and all athletes would be given the chance to be involved.

“To break two hours for a marathon each athlete needs to complete 400m in 68 seconds — spread across both squads, we think we can do it.

“It is amazing to think that one person, Eliud Kipchoge, could maintain that pace for the entire 42.195km marathon distance,” Boltz said.

“It is great that we can join forces with Apsire, the kids all know one another and it is something we can do to help celebrate the easing of restrictions for community sport.

“Both squads have continued training throughout the lockdown and with so many competitions cancelled, they have all shown amazing commitment.

Boltz says Pace and Aspire are on the same page when it comes to training and athlete development. They want the kids to work hard and achieve their goals, but also want them to have fun. “And we think this will be a lot of fun,” Boltz said.

The Pace Running and Aspire sub two-hour marathon relay attempt will start at Barlow Park at 4pm this afternoon.

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE ON YOUR MARKS: Grace Campbell, 10, Jorja Catelan, 14, Toby Gillen 19, Eryn Vicary, 17, and Lili Boyd, 18, will all participate in the 400m relays held over 105 laps at Barlow Park this afternoon in an attempt to better Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon world record.