Hopeful Aussies all class
ETHIOPIAN stars Abere Kassw and Fasika Metafriya will target some of Australia’s best distance races after sizzling the Barwon at the Geelong Half Marathon.
The duo, who are seeking asylum in Australia, have plans to contest next month’s Sydney Half Marathon before hopefully raising funds to take on the Gold Coast Marathon and half marathon.
Kassw was dominant in the men’s race, clocking 1hr 4min 33sec, finishing well clear of Nick Earl.
He should have gone even quicker, losing about a minute out on the course after taking a wrong turn.
Coach Frances Lipscombe said she was happy with Kassw’s run.
“He is in really good condition now. We were pretty happy with the result,” Lipscombe said.
“He went the wrong way for a short time. I couldn’t get a handle on where he went, but the bike wasn’t in view.
“He would have been down into the 1hr 3min if he didn’t have that detour.
“Obviously we are looking towards the bigger races now. We want to be in good condition (for the Sydney Half Marathon).
“Then we’d like to go to the Gold Coast, but that’s more about financing the trip.”
Kassw has a marathon best of a little more than 2:08.
Metafriya ran 1:20.2, finishing about 37sec clear of Rebecca Rosel.
“Her condition isn’t as good as Abere’s at the moment,” Lipscombe said.
“She’s had a few little issues. But she is coming good, it was a good hit out for her.
“She ran well and I was happy with her result as well.
“While he at the Gold Coast will try to do the marathon, she will stick with the half marathon.”
The pair arrived in Australia last year with an eye towards the Melbourne Marathon. But issues back in Ethiopia meant they did not get to the start line.
Lipscombe said she was hoping more events would offer her two runners places in their races.
“We want to raise their profile. They have been over here for just a short time,” the coach said.