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

 

2008 Women's 800m indoor world champs