Words by Marnie Ponton  |  Photos by Natalie Wong

Earlier in December, Marnie raced in the Melbourne Marathon and finished in 3rd place with an incredible time of 2.31.55 ( a massive 5min 26 sec PB). There is always something special about a marathon race. Although I was not there to witness this moment, I joined Marnie for her morning easy run in Glenbrook, to hear about her story and upcoming goals.

What a time to be a part of Women’s Marathoning in Australia!

My marathon dream started as a 10 year old girl sitting in my room in a small country town called Yass with posters of Gabriela Szabo and Maria Mutola on my wall, reading an article in the sports section of the newspaper outlining the qualifying standards for women to be selected for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney…2.33. I was very much involved in middle-distance running at this stage, and remember making a conscious, long-lasting decision that I 100% wanted to run faster than that time for the marathon. So my result in Melbourne was personally significant for me. Running 2.31.55 has given me the freedom to once again sit down, reflect and make a new goal and dream bigger. Marathon running is a funny sport, in which intrinsic motivation is key.

Melbourne Marathon

Prior to Melbourne, I rang Dick and he said I needed to do more than ever, in order to run faster than ever…music to my ears as I love a challenge. My job was easy, other than being a mum, a home school teacher, an Emergency Nurse Practitioner and a partner all during a pandemic, to get the training done with minimal hassle. Luckily for me living in the Blue Mountains, I’m supported by an army of running friends who kept me company at 5.30 am every morning to help get the work done. I was able to build from 160km up to 200km per week before entering taper 2 weeks out.

The race plan for Melbourne was to run 3.30-35min per km, make sure I wasn’t puffing to hard in the first half, and try to finish strong. I ran through the first half in 74.20, I felt like I was running a sustainable pace, I slowed a touch in the last 10km, but not to drastically. This was the difference between getting a 2.29 or a 2.31… an obvious area where I need to improve.

So What’s Next?

I am planning on sticking in Australia for the next marathon and racing Newcastle Marathon on April 3rd. My goal will be to run sub 2.29.30. Prior to this, I will compete in Hobart Run the Bridge 10km for a tune-up.

I can wait to see what the future holds. I am privileged to have the support of Hoka, Team Telford and Blue Mountains Running Co.