Steep hills and a river crossing stood in their way but a few Lithgow residents were able to conquer the Six Foot Track marathon last weekend.
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Justin McMurtie crossed the line in 5:06:08, Katherine Costello in 5:30:05 and Matt Trounce in a time of 5:34:45.
Elite runner Vlad Shatrov was first across the line in 3:15:44. Marnie Ponton was the first woman to finish in 3:50:22.
“Mainly it’s an uphill course, it’s very tough. It’s meant to be one of the toughest marathon courses in Australia,” Katherine Costello said.
Costello found the hills the biggest obstacle.
“Some people are able to run them but mainly it’s a hike uphill, really hard work,” she said.
Runners also needed to be prepared to get soaking wet no matter the weather conditions.
“We had to cross the Cox’s river… for me it was up to my hips.”
As you might expect, the finish line was a welcome sight.
“It was amazing to see everybody clapping and cheering as you come over the finish line.”
If a shorter run or walk is more your speed, the 5km Lithgow parkrun is open to everyone at 8am on Saturdays at the Lithgow Pony Club on Hassan's Walls Road.
Details: http://www.parkrun.com.au/lithgow/
