Melbourne was my first marathon in 1989. This race in 2003, at age 43 was designed to see if I had a decent marathon left in me. My best, also at Melbourne, was 2:41 in 1993, so 10 years on, running with my brain, I sort of proved that I had something left.

It is now 2006. I am focusing on a 2:40 Great Ocean Road, Australia, Marathon. I have come off a fund raising 100 KM (Oxfam TrailWalker) in 12 hours 3 weeks ago, have been resting up, and have 3 weeks to put in some up tempo efforts. The body is willing, but its durability is marginal.

I'll get back to you after May 21, 2006

I was running my first marathon, having been talked into competing by friends. I entered a Herald Sun competition through their Health and Lifestyle section and was selected to be the male runner. I had two VO2 max tests at Monash with a training program designed for me through a company called ERA. I then trained hard with the program supplying variety to the running involved. I was told about G.I. and training supplements, proper running socks and food and drink intake. I had two dedicated training partners who would run with me at all hours in varying weather conditions.

The race weather conditions were kind. Coolish with moderate to gusty winds. I know the views as I live bayside but the thing which will always stick in my mind is the support recieved along the way. The volunteers performed a magnificent job with drinks. The St. John staff supplied everything, including vaseline. I, like many others, hit the wall at times and heard many people clapping and giving encouragement. These Melbournians ranged in ages from children to elderly people. They made comments about how well people were running and for people to keep going and not give up. This encouragement and community attitude will stay with me for a long time. There were people handing out lollies and sweets. I remember running past the legendary Shirley Young and others with t-shirts stating they'd run every marathon. There were Spartans who had t-shirts stating they'd run 10 or 20 marathons, a guy running in thongs and another with bare feet. This marathon had the lot. My highlight was having my photo taken with my two running friends after the race.

I have now run 5 marathons, completing the Melbourne 4 times. It truly is a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The course offers magnificant views of Port Phillip Bay from about 12kms through to about 40kms and offers a sense of serenity about it. Being pretty much a flat course for almost all of the way, there aren't the hills to deal with that take so much out of you.

The fans along the course are amazing. Dressing up in all sorts of costumes and there to cheer all on. Without them, it would so much tougher.

If I had one complaint though, it would be the lack of toilets both at the start and along the course. This surely is an inconvenience for many.

Other than that, I would recommend this race to any interested in making Melbourne a part of their marathon accomplishments.

This was my first Melbourne Marathon though I've run 17 others (mostly Los Angeles, also Athens, Paphos, Amman-Dead Sea). The first 15 km along the Nepean Hwy were uninspiring, though the rest was pleasant. Although I didn't suffer from the heat, many did. There weren't enough water stations: they should've been every 2 km. This is the first marathon I've run where I had to pay extra for a T-shirt (other than Athens which did not have an entry fee). Registration at around $90 is expensive, a rip off actually, considering not enough toilets or water, and no shirt. You would think the race has no sponsorship although it does. The spectators were few, but nice.

MM was my first marathon and I have already declared I will return next year. Although unusually hot for this time of year, it was a great atmosphere. Seemed very organized - vounteers on every corner, clapping and encouraging - as well as the spectators dotted along the entire course.

Toilet facilities were a joke. This was my first time at the race and I nearly missed the start because I was waiting to use one of the very few toilets provided ? this was appalling planning. At the race end, the toilets were in two unmarked trucks which I walked straight past even though I had been pointed in the right direction. A big disappointment and I hope you improve on this next year.

Being from Glasgow (Scotland) the heat for this run was more than I was prepared for. The start is great as the thousands fill the street. I did feel the hills at half way but the supporters from the 3/4 mark were great.

Most of all, as a first timer, I would like to thank the Spartans who were an inspiration. Best Spartan quote (said in a fun tone): 'You might as well walk for a bit because you won't be able to tomorrow.' Thanks for that.

Melbourne is my hometown and my first marathon experience, having never run any thing over 15kms in race conditions I was particularly nervous but the calm environment of the bus trip to Frankston was perfect to relax the nerves. Found the crowd light on but those that were there were vocal and helped me along the home stretch some people's encouragement came in the form of lollies. I also found the encouragement of my more senior runners particularly helpful. I would encourage any 1st time marathon runners to give Melbourne a go. Weather was great and some nice views of the sea. Can't wait to tackle it again.

I ran the Oct 2003 marathon and ran PB of 3:12. Fast, flat course. Didn't find the bumps in the middle a problem. Superb temp, sunshine, lovely scenery, great organization. Ensure you buy a bus ticket as part of registration to get you to the start. More supporters as you approach halfway to the finish. Agree that the medal was very disappointing. Didn't even say, "Melbourne Marathon". Definitely recommend this one.

Was a great day. The weather was nice. Done better than last year. It is not an easy course as the rolling hills in the middle seem to go on for ever.
The last stretch goes along the beach front at Elwood and St. Kilda. There are always many people around there (some tourists too) and I heard a few say, 'Come on, mate' or 'Nearly there'.

We can thank the kids who every year have lollies for us along the way.