Sydney Marathon

Publish Date: 23 January 2012

I decided to enter the Sydney marathon in June for the personal challenge and to raise money for the Hospice.  My Dad died of bowel cancer last November and stayed at the Hospice for over a month before he passed away.  Everyone at the Hospice provided great support to my Dad and my family during this difficult time.

I've always enjoyed sport but had never run more than 14km.  The marathon is 42km.  I started to train at the end June, slowly increasing the miles over the next few months.

The marathon was on the 18th September.  It was a beautiful bright and sunny day in Sydney.  The race started off on the North Shore at Milson's Point park.  We then ran over the Harbour Bridge.  It was a spectacular way to start the race.  We then went through the Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, then down Oxford Street to Centennial Park.  By the time we had completed a few laps of the park and were heading back into the city the temperature had made it to 30c.  The last 10km was really tough given the hot weather.  The race finished in front of the Opera House.  I really enjoyed the race and finished in 4 hours 20 mins.  I said I'd never run another one but I would quite like to run below 4 hours before I finally announce my long distance running retirement.

Matthew Dodds