Latest news with #SydneyMarathon
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Aussie record-holder Sam Clifford's ‘real' Olympic dream begins at Sydney Marathon
The Sydney Marathon's debut as a world major marks the start of a new era for Australian distance running, but the landmark event shapes as one-and-done at the distance for 10km national record-holder Sam Clifford. At least that's the plan for the next few years as part of his long-term goal to make — and, more importantly, compete well at — the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The 23-year-old from Tasmania catapulted himself into calculations for higher honours with an astonishing 10km time of 27:34 in May. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Clifford, having improved plenty in the six months prior, smashed Jack Rayner's previous record by nine seconds in the Tokyo Speed Race geared around Asics' newest supershoes. The performance was followed by mixing it with some of Australia's big-name runners in half-marathons in Launceston (1:02:00) and on the Gold Coast (1:01:49). Clifford stepped back to 10km racing during his training block last week to win the Harbour 10 (29:33) that took in some of the same streets forming the Sydney Marathon course. Loading Instagram Post Knowing he's got the 'buffer' from running two minutes faster in Tokyo, Clifford kicked away with 1500m to go to train himself in the art of winning a race — something he's used to in one sense, but still working on as he reaches new heights. 'It was pretty crazy,' he tells 'I wanted to practise making a move at a certain point that I had already pre-planned. I stuck to my game plan there .. the closer it got to the finish line, it played more into my hands. 'On that particular day (the time to win) was 29:33 but there could be other days where there's more competition or a better runner on the day. It's very good that I've got that range.' The Sydney Marathon on August 31 will be a different beast. A 'why not?' attitude is fuelling Clifford's first crack at the historic 42.195km distance, hyped up by the addition of the legend Eliud Kipchoge to the entry list. 'I'm going to be on the same start line as the greatest marathon runner arguably of all time and that's a big drawcard,' he says. For a man working part-time jobs while making his way in the world of elite running, the hope of finishing as the top Australian — and the $30,000 prize that comes with that title — is an even bigger attraction. Just considering that as a possibility is a far cry from a few years ago, when Clifford thought 'the idea of being an Olympian was probably more of a cool idea' than 'reality' at a time he was being held back by his own drinking habits. Having turned himself around and risen through the ranks faster than he expected, he's now got a future to look forward to. 'It's shifted my mindset into always trying to improve, which is good, I think, for the long term,' Clifford says. 'I've got some goals that I'm really passionate about and I have a reason why, and a few reasons why. So long as I have my 'why', that'll keep me going until 2032 and maybe even beyond.' Clifford's 'pretty clear pathway' stretches out beyond the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to the goal of running the 10,000m (track) and marathon double in Brisbane four years later. And that's where his marathon debut in Sydney next month comes into play. 'It's probably one of the hardest doubles to do because it's the furthest distance you can run as an Olympian,' Clifford says. 'If I have the foundation of having already done a marathon and getting it out of the way early, at least it gives me a target and a marker in the sand. 'It's more enticing for me there, and it makes more sense to do it now and get it out of the way then not touch it for a while.' 'Then I can focus from the ground up. That means I can do a lot of shorter races just so I'm better prepared for when it comes round to LA and Brisbane.' A three-year run to LA 2028 is less daunting when, like the Sydney Marathon, it acts as a stepping stone to the ultimate goal for Brisbane 2032. 'It's all good to be an Olympian but I also want to be competitive as well,' Clifford says. 'And I need to prove myself that if I'm going to go to the Olympics I want to be competitive. 'It's the same mindset I'm going into with Sydney. I want to be competitive. 'I'm pretty confident in my training and I'm pretty confident in my abilities now to really test that, because at the moment it's, you know, what have I got to lose?'
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
'Dubai is always ahead': Mallathon to help stay fit in summer heat, say athletes
A wave of excitement is building among UAE residents and local athletes as they prepare for the inaugural ' Dubai Mallathon' initiative. The initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan, which transforms the city's iconic shopping malls into indoor fitness tracks daily from 7am to 10am, has generated tremendous enthusiasm from community members seeking new, climate-controlled spaces for their morning workouts. The innovative initiative offers residents a unique solution to maintain their fitness routines during the challenging summer months, providing air-conditioned environments that shield fitness enthusiasts from the region's intense heat. Ras Al Khaimah's accomplished long-distance runner, Abdulla AlShehhi, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme. 'The Dubai Mallathon initiative marks a significant step in promoting a healthy lifestyle during the summer, especially for us as runners. Transforming shopping malls into walking and running tracks is a smart idea that provides a safe and comfortable environment, encouraging everyone to stay consistent even in hot weather," he said. AlShehhi, who is currently preparing for the upcoming Sydney Marathon at the end of August, sees the timing as perfect. 'This initiative couldn't have come at a better time. It offers an ideal indoor environment to train effectively, beat the summer heat, and stay committed to our fitness goals throughout the season,' he added. The runner praised Dubai's forward-thinking approach, 'Initiatives like this prove that Dubai is always ahead when it comes to integrated community thinking. I'm personally excited to take part, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity.' Talal from Sharjah, who practices various sports including swimming and running, highlighted the practical benefits of the initiative, 'Running inside malls provides an air-conditioned and suitable environment for exercising away from harsh weather conditions, especially in summer. It also provides a level and safe surface and allows friends and family to participate together. It improves heart and muscle health and helps burn calories.' Running coach Fuad Naser, founder of the 5:30 RUN club in the UAE, praised the initiative's innovative approach, 'The 'Dubai Mallathon' is a brilliant and well-conceived initiative that showcases Dubai's commitment to public health and innovative solutions.' Naser emphasized the programme's broader impact: 'It effectively addresses a unique environmental challenge while promoting a vibrant, active, and connected community. HH Faz3's leadership in launching such a practical and beneficial programme is highly commendable, setting a new benchmark for urban wellness initiatives.' The coach concluded with high praise for the initiative's contribution to Dubai's reputation: 'It's a fantastic step towards keeping Dubai truly the 'best place to live, work, and visit.'' The Dubai Mallathon represents a creative solution to the UAE's climate challenges, offering residents and visitors alike an opportunity to maintain active lifestyles year-round. By repurposing existing infrastructure during off-peak hours, the initiative demonstrates Dubai's commitment to innovative urban planning and community wellness. The program is expected to attract fitness enthusiasts of all levels, from casual walkers to serious athletes preparing for international competitions, creating a diverse and inclusive fitness community within the city's retail spaces. As announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the Dubai Mallathon initiative transforms shopping centers into fitness venues during morning hours, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leader in innovative community health programs.
The Age
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Marathon legend Kipchoge set for Sydney Marathon
Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest male marathon runner of all time, will contest the 2025 Sydney Marathon. Loading
Perth Now
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sydney Marathon hails field as best-ever in Australia
Sydney Marathon organisers are hailing the men's field as the strongest assembled in Australia after confirming another raft of big-name signings. Kenyan megastar Eliud Kipchoge, announced as the headline attraction last March, will be joined at the start line of the August 31 race by 14 other runners who hold personal-best times inside the current Sydney course record. That batch includes emerging Kenyan Vincent Ngetich, Ethiopian duo Dawit Wolde and Birhanu Legese and Japanese great Yuki Kawauchi. Kawauchi holds the world record for most marathons completed in less than two hours 20 minutes, a feat he has achieved more than 100 times. Australian record holder Andrew Buchanan will prioritise the world championships marathon in Tokyo in September, but the local contingent is still strong. Former national record holder Brett Robinson and fellow Olympian Liam Adams will feature alongside rising star Haftu Strintzos, who will make his marathon debut after an impressive US college career. Race director Wayne Larden said the men's field was the most competitive assembled on Australian soil. "When you look at the depth of this year's men's field, it's not just star-studded and fast, it's exceptionally deep," Larden said. "We have multiple athletes capable of running under the course record, rising stars on the brink of global breakthrough, and, of course, Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of all-time. "We've also focused on Australian elites and it's exciting to see so many top Aussies lining up alongside world-class internationals in our first year as an World Marathon Major." The Sydney Marathon is the seventh event on the marathon major calendar, a global points-based competition. The Sydney race record is 2:06.18 set last year by Kenyan Brimin Kipkorir, who is currently provisionally suspended after recording a positive test for a prohibited substance two months after his win in Australia.
The Age
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
The Sydney Opera House stairs will be out of action for weeks. Here's why
Despite the imposing size of the grand stairway, the steps are straightforward to remove. They sit on rubber packers, which will be hard-grouted to limit movement and reduce the need for further maintenance. Work was completed on other segments of the stairway in 2024 and earlier this year, but the current maintenance marks the biggest and most central part of the remediation. The work could take several weeks, with the official deadline for completion being the Sydney Marathon on August 31. Focus will then turn to the podium at the top of the stairs. While acting primarily as a functional, but dramatic, gateway to the podium level entry of the Sydney Opera House, the Monumental Steps are both a key aesthetic element and one of the many engineering feats of the building. The 100-metre-wide stairs drew inspiration from ancient Mayan temples. Architect Jorn Utzon called them a 'very important feature for the feeling of being in another world'. The cavernous concourse that runs below the stairs is supported by 49-metre-long concrete beams, a design innovation of engineer Ove Arup, who dismissed the need for vertical columns and instead proposed the beams. Those beams have held strong over the decades, supporting the weight of hundreds of thousands of people for events such as Crowded House's 1996 farewell show or Oprah Winfrey's 2010 broadcast from the forecourt. Comments below a popular TikTok showing the gutted stairs recall all the treasures lost to the narrow gaps along the stairway. 'Lost my house keys there at the Crowded House farewell concert in 1996,' one read. For those hoping to find lost items during the current round of maintenance, it's probably a little too late for your phone, thanks to the stormwater that runs off the sails. However, the removable nature of the steps means items can often be retrieved on the day.
