Runners near the Spirit of Tasmania. Picture Yuri Kouzmin Source: News Corp Australia
MORE than 30,000 runners pounded the pavement in this morning’s Melbourne Marathon.
A picturesque sunrise greeted the runners who flooded the city’s streets before the main 42km event got under way at 7am.
Professional athletes, celebrities, fitness fanatics and charity fundraisers were among those competing in the maratho, half-marathon, 10km and 5km runs.
Runners cross over the Princess Bridge with the CBD in the background. Picture: Tony Gough
Kenyan Dominic Ondoro defended his 2013 men’s Melbourne Marathon title with a hard-fought win ahead of Eritrea’s Tewelde Estifanos Hidru.
He finished in a time of 2:11:30, just outside the race record he set last year of 2:10:47.
Dominic Pius Ondoro from Kenya crosses the line to win the 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill
Melbourne’s own Nikki Chapple won the women’s marathon in a personal best time of 2:31:05.
Ten “Spartan legends” competed in their 37th consecutive Melbourne Marathon - Australia’s biggest - taking competitors past some of the city’s most famous locations before finishing outside the MCG.
Victorian Nikki Chapplewon the women's 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill.
Runners were expected to gulp down more than 50,000 litres of water as the day warmed towards a top of 27C.
Event director Greg Hooton said this year’s event had a strong focus on “community spirit” and runners supporting each other.
Colourful competitors on the last leg of the marathon. Picture: Tony Gough
Several roads were closed until about 1pm, including Batman Ave, Brunton Ave and St Kilda Rd, while public transport services are also affected.
Marathon runners. Picture Yuri Kouzmin
Atheletes take off during the start of the 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill.
Athletes run across William Barak Bridge during the 10km event at 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill
Athletes help a fellow competitor to the finish line during the 2014 Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Andy Brownbill.
Matt Shirvington after running the Melbourne Marathon. Picture: Mike Keating
Runners pass police as they turn off Flinders St heading towards Princess Bridge. Picture: Tony Gough
Support comes from the Melbourne Cheer Leading Academy from sideline as runners pass. Picture: Tony Gough
There’s a bear out there. Picture: Andy Brownbill
A Superman effort. Picture: Tony Gough
Atheletes run up Batman Ave after the start half marathon event. Picture: Andy Brownbill
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