Written by Alex Malcolm
Images courtesy of Daniel Heath
Gaining a significant foothold in a competitive fun run market is not easy but the 2011 Bankwest Gallipoli Run, in its ninth year as an event, made arguably its biggest step forward on the weekend before Anzac Day with 481 competitors turning out on a rare overcast Perth morning.
The race through the city’s world-famous King’s Park had three event categories for both men and women. The 8km and 4km runs, plus a 4km walk for those keen to just enjoy the scenery.
WA’s 2010 5km and 10km track champion Roberto Busi won the days feature race, the Men’s 8km. The 34-year-old completed two-laps of the picturesque 4km course along Lovekin Drive in 25:06.53 to take the title from another veteran Todd Ingraham (26:00.70), and Mark Lee (26:22.20).
Race Patron – World War II veteran, Changi prisoner of war, and distance running legend – John Gilmour OAM predicted pre-race that 28 minutes would be a reasonable time. Busi’s performance was even more impressive considering he turned at 4km well in front of the 4km race winner Martin Feichtinger who clocked 12.48.75 to beat home youngsters Daniel Rubick (13:19.49) and John Peers (13:24.41).
In the Women’s 8km race Tina Major was too good for the second consecutive year winning comfortably in 31:19.04. Major, 37, was shadowed by Rochelle Thorpe at the 4km mark but surged clear half-way through the second lap to finish 37 seconds ahead of Thorpe (31:56.45). There was a big gap to third place with 17-year-old Lauren Lankester running brilliantly to finish in the minor placing in a time of 34:51.83.
The Women’s 4km event featured some of WA’s best and brightest middle distance track athletes. Emma Baars, a 12-year-old school student from City Beach, was the fastest around the course in 15:02.42 beating home Mathilda Connell (15:24.73) and Amy McCormick (15:27.27).
Major sponsors Bankwest were also major participants on the day with nearly 80 runners competing from their organisation. They also donated significant prize-money to the winners. The 8km place-getters received $500, $250, and $100 deposits into Bankwest Savings accounts for first, second and third respectively. The 4km winners received $100, $50, and $25 each.
Bankwest’s Head of Marketing Paul Vivian was on hand to present the awards with John Gilmour after the race. Gilmour, a multiple Masters athletics distance world record-holder who turns 92 next month, was especially pleased to present cheques to three athletes he trains in Rochelle Thorpe, Lauren Lankester, and John Peers.
Legacy, a charity foundation that supports the families of deceased War veterans, also provided a great number of entrants on the day. They are building a great association with the Bankwest Gallipoli Run. For further information on the work of Legacy, visit www.legacy.com.au.
The day was a fabulous success. Race Organisers, Athletics WA, are looking forward to another outstanding turnout for the Bankwest Gallipoli Run in 2012.
Results
Women’s 4km
1. Emma Baars 15:02.42, 2. Mathilda Connell 15:24.73, 3. Amy McCormick 15:27.27, 4. Amanda Walker 15:37.99, 5. Katherine Stockwell 15:43.63, 6. Kirstie Morrison 15:53.95, 7. Maya Stawski 15:54.61, 8. Kate Holt 16:03.80, 9. Rose Connell 16:17.10, 10. Louise Soia 16:32.26
Men’s 4km
1. Martin Feichtinger 12:48.75, 2. Daniel Rubick 13:19.49, 3. John Peers 13:24.41, 4. Chris McKay 13:55.60, 5. Matthew Elwell 14:00.47, 6. Jack Sirett 14:02.71, 7. Aiden Liddelow 14:55.38, 8. Myles O’Kane 15:04.04, 9. Michael Storer 15:08.72, 10. John Collier 15:44.95
Women’s 8km
1. Tina Major 31:19.04, 2. Rochelle Thorpe 31:56.45, 3. Lauren Lankester 34:51.83, 4. Carla Golding 35:51.40, 5. Joanna Lloyd 35:52.14, 6. Sandra Stockman 35:53.43, 7. Robin King 36:04.89, 8. Prudence Connell 36:32.79, 9. Jodie Oborne 37:04.07, 10. Shannon Coates 37:17.33
Men’s 8km
1. Roberto Busi 25:06.53, 2. Todd Ingram 26:00.70, 3. Mark Lee 26:22.20, 4. Liam Fuery 26:35.40, 5. Chris O’Neill 26:38.57, 6. Stephen Stockwell 26:41.92, 7. James Ruskin 27:20.21, 8. Brett Roach 27:33.23, 9. David Cane 28:16.25, 10. Paul Mitchell 28:24.37
