One year ago, Athletics in Australia was stunned, when Craig Mottram's 3000m junior record was broken by New South Welshman Ryan Gregson. Fast forward to January 2009, and the seemingly impossible has happened - the record has been broken, again! Many thought that once broken, Gregson's record would stay around for quite some time, daring up and coming juniors to touch it. Enter Richard Everest.

Hailing from South Australia, Everest has built up a commanding resume as one of Australia’s best new prospects in the distance ranks. A 3000m PB of 8:00.76, a 5000m PB of 13:49.25, and for those who know Falls Creek, an impressive 60.16 for the Fitzy's hut run. So what is it that makes Richard Everest tick? And how has he managed to seemingly slip under the radar until the last few months?

Like most young kids, Everest saw running as a pastime in his days, enjoying it a great deal more than schoolwork. “It wasn’t until my sports teacher in primary school got me involved by taking me to the local school events that I found out I could run a bit”, Richard says. I performed reasonably well, and I guess that’s where I started to realise how much I enjoyed it.”

However, breaking the Australian Junior 3000m record wasn’t even on Everest’s mind until late 2008. “The 3k record was only really a focus since about December of 2008”, explains Richard. “Up until that point I didn’t think I would be able to run that quick, and it wasn’t until after a 3 week stint up at Falls Creek, where I felt that I was running really well that I thought I may be able to get close to that time.” Get close to that time he did, running 8:00.76, on a cool, calm night in Adelaide. Set up by race promoter PJ Bosch, the race was won in 8:00.2 by Australian Representative Liam Adams, who seemingly gave up the opportunity to run his first sub 8 minute 3000m to look back and cheer on Richard over the last 100m.

Fresh from his 3000m race, Everest proceeded to break another barrier, this time in the 5000m, running a time of 13:59.71 at the Graeme Briggs Classic in Hobart. This was made even more impressive by the fact that Everest ran just under half of the race by himself, after losing contact with the lead pack at the 3000m mark. “The 5k PB was hard cause I did run the last 5 laps by myself”, tells Everest. “Unfortunately I didn’t back myself enough to go with the leaders which essentially cost me a far quicker time. The aim that day was to run under 13.50 so hopefully this season I will get close to that.” Bring on the Melbourne World Athletics Tour, March 5, 2009, and Richard did just that, nailing out a 13:49.25, beating home fellow-star, Ryan Gregson.

Away from the track, Everest is starting his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, which should keep him in the country for a few more years yet. “I’m currently going to stay in Adelaide at this point of time”, explains Everest. “I have all the resources that I need in Australia, so there’s not a huge need to move overseas at this point in time. However, hopefully I’ll travel to Europe this year to train and run in a few races, just to get some experience.”

Although Everest may not have achieved his personal goal of finishing top 20 at the World Junior XC Championships in Amman, Jordan, the race was certainly no failure, and more-so a testament to the hard work and perseverance shown by himself and coach Michael Butler. This time last year Everest was on the long road back from injury; however this year, he is feeling fitter and stronger, and no doubt will continue to keep athletics enthusiasts around Australia talking for years to come. If Richard has anything to do it, 2010 and 2012 could just be years to keep watch.

'It wasn’t until after a 3 week stint up at Falls Creek, where I felt that I was running really well that I thought I may be able to get close to that time'
Richard Everest

By Tim Crosbie

In a move that it is hoped will resurrect the declining fortunes of state representative running in Australia, IMG, the organisers of the Samsung Melbourne Marathon and Asics Half Marathon will be subsidising full teams of three men and three women from each Australian State and Territory to participate in the Australian Half Marathon Championship.

The subsidy package includes $250 travel assistance to each nominated interstate athlete to fund travel to Melbourne, plus accommodation for two nights.

Having been awarded the right to host the Australian Half Marathon Championship in conjunction with the Asics Half Marathon, IMG are keen to set a new benchmark for supporting state level competition.

IMG's Director of Athletics and former Stawell Gift winner, Dallas O'Brien, is committed to ensuring Melbourne proves to other race organisers the importance of not only securing championship events, but of making them truly competitive by encouraging the cream of Australia's elite and sub elite athletes to participate.

O'Brien is confident that the Asics Half Marathon course, which debuted in 2007 with the magnificent MCG finish line, will yet again prove to be Australia's fastest. Brett Cartwright from the ACT led the 2007 Australian rankings with his Melbourne Half Marathon performance, while Western Australia's Lauren Shelley led the women's field home.

IMG recommends that interested athletes contact their state or territory athletic association to enquire about selection policy. For further information about the Samsung Melbourne Marathon or Asics Half Marathon and the assistance packages on offer, please go to www.melbournemarathon.com.au or email Competition Director Tim Crosbie on tim@melbournemarathon.com.au

Melbourne marathon website

 

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