Melbourne University Sport -

Student, staff and alumni show true colours Melbourne Marathon
21 October 2009; Rod Warnecke

The University of Melbourne’s Community Events program concluded last Sunday with 121 cyclists riding around Port Phillip Bay as part of Bicycle Victoria’s Around the Bay in a Day. This followed 222 runners taking part in the St George Melbourne Marathon the previous Sunday (11 October).

Conditions were near perfect for the event’s 15,500 cyclists as they pedaled around the Bay along one of the 50, 100, 210 or 250km routes. With those riding the 250km route, it was a very early 5.30am start and even later finish with many riders still crossing the finish line some twelve hours later! The University’s team consisted of 58 students, 42 staff and 21 alumni.

Information Technology Services had one of the larger department teams from within the University. Reuchlin Teo (Director, Project Services) encouraged IT staff members to participate in the 17th edition of the event.

“It’s been a wonderful day and cycling’s such a great way to keep fit. Our staff group likes to keep active, and riding is also a great social activity – and we’ll get even more staff involved next year”, he said.

Economics & Commerce student and International House resident Grace Phang rode the 100km course. She, along with the majority of other participants, was a big fan of the University’s new uniforms.

“The new design and colours look fantastic. And the cycling jerseys fit so nicely. We were certainly one of the best looking teams out on the road”, she said.

Marketing and Communications, together with Melbourne University Sport and their preferred suppliers Blue Gum Clothing and Ventou Garment Technology designed and manufactured the new-look running singlets and t-shirts and cycling jerseys.

The Melbourne Marathon, which took place the previous Sunday with the finish line on the hallowed turf of the MCG, was another major hit with students (177), staff (24) alumni (21) participating across the 5, 10, Half and Marathon distances.

Law alumnus Mark Bormanis tackled his second successive Marathon and was exhausted (naturally!) when he crossed the finish line.

“It’s been another great day and Melbourne University Sport’s management of our team has been fantastic. To be able to drop off my clothes at 6.00am at the Uni marquee before starting the race, and then to be able to enjoy the achievement of finishing with other students, staff and alumni after the event is really pleasing”, said Mark.

“And to be able to grab a PowerAde, a piece of fruit and a massage is the perfect way to make sure I can walk tomorrow!” he added.

The Marathon also saw some wonderful results for the University of Melbourne with former Triathlon Club President Antony Rickards finishing 9th overall, with Melbourne University Athletic Club member Andrew Selby-Smith crossing the line in 14th place. And if covering the 42.2km distances wasn’t crazy enough, MUAC and World University Games race walker Tom Barnes did so by walking, not running – and he did so in a PB of 3.18.55 hours, finishing 571st overall of the 3,793 Marathon starters.

Check out photos of the Melbourne Marathon and the Around the Bay in a Day at our Photo Gallery.

- END -
For further information, contact:
Rod Warnecke, Sport Development Manager
Mob: 0403 199 700
Fax: +613 8344 5583
Email: rod.warnecke@unimelb.edu.au


Home Membership Facilities Aquatics Group Fitness Health Services Boot Camp Clubs Sport and Recreation Photo Gallery Ski Lodge About Us Staff Contact Us News Archive Merchandise	Student, staff and alumni show true colours 21 October 2009; Rod Warnecke The University of Melbourne’s Community Events program concluded last Sunday with 121 cyclists riding around Port Phillip Bay as part of Bicycle Victoria’s Around the Bay in a Day. This followed 222 runners taking part in the St George Melbourne Marathon the previous Sunday (11 October). Conditions were near perfect for the event’s 15,500 cyclists as they pedaled around the Bay along one of the 50, 100, 210 or 250km routes. With those riding the 250km route, it was a very early 5.30am start and even later finish with many riders still crossing the finish line some twelve hours later! The University’s team consisted of 58 students, 42 staff and 21 alumni. Information Technology Services had one of the larger department teams from within the University. Reuchlin Teo (Director, Project Services) encouraged IT staff members to participate in the 17th edition of the event. “It’s been a wonderful day and cycling’s such a great way to keep fit. Our staff group likes to keep active, and riding is also a great social activity – and we’ll get even more staff involved next year”, he said. Economics & Commerce student and International House resident Grace Phang rode the 100km course. She, along with the majority of other participants, was a big fan of the University’s new uniforms. “The new design and colours look fantastic. And the cycling jerseys fit so nicely. We were certainly one of the best looking teams out on the road”, she said. Marketing and Communications, together with Melbourne University Sport and their preferred suppliers Blue Gum Clothing and Ventou Garment Technology designed and manufactured the new-look running singlets and t-shirts and cycling jerseys. The Melbourne Marathon, which took place the previous Sunday with the finish line on the hallowed turf of the MCG, was another major hit with students (177), staff (24) alumni (21) participating across the 5, 10, Half and Marathon distances. Law alumnus Mark Bormanis tackled his second successive Marathon and was exhausted (naturally!) when he crossed the finish line. “It’s been another great day and Melbourne University Sport’s management of our team has been fantastic. To be able to drop off my clothes at 6.00am at the Uni marquee before starting the race, and then to be able to enjoy the achievement of finishing with other students, staff and alumni after the event is really pleasing”, said Mark. “And to be able to grab a PowerAde, a piece of fruit and a massage is the perfect way to make sure I can walk tomorrow!” he added. The Marathon also saw some wonderful results for the University of Melbourne with former Triathlon Club President Antony Rickards finishing 9th overall, with Melbourne University Athletic Club member Andrew Selby-Smith crossing the line in 14th place. And if covering the 42.2km distances wasn’t crazy enough, MUAC and World University Games race walker Tom Barnes did so by walking, not running – and he did so in a PB of 3.18.55 hours, finishing 571st overall of the 3,793 Marathon starters. Check out photos of the Melbourne Marathon and the Around the Bay in a Day at our Photo Gallery. - END - For further information, contact: Rod Warnecke, Sport Development Manager Mob: 0403 199 700 Fax: +613 8344 5583 Email: rod.warnecke@unimelb.edu.au