SHANIA SHINES ON MARATHON DEBUT
Shania Murray has established a new Diamond Valley Athletic Club record for the Open Women’s Marathon on her first attempt at the 42.2km distance. Running in the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday 13 October 2023 Shania has finished in a time of 2:54.41 to be the 13th Female across the finish line and 1st in the 20-24 year age group.
Here is Shania’s own reflection on running her first Marathon:
“Conquer the beast of the Marathon:
As I woke up to my alarm at 4:30am, it suddenly became real, I was about to embark on my quest to conquer the Marathon. Years of dreaming of my debut was finally upon me! I re-read my training diary the night before, to give me full confidence in the months of specific marathon training backed up by my years of milage. As I approached the elite room, I realised I was surrounded by like-minded people, which boosted me with an extra level of excitement.
I lined up on the start line, ready to tackle any challenges that would come my way over the next three hours. Steve Moneghetti started the gun and we were off. First 5km flew by, chatting to one of my training mates. Sat in the 4min per kilometre pack for the first 25km. Having Caden running alongside me on Beach Road was comforting to see a familiar face along the long stretch.
Legs started to feel jelly from about half-way, but the crowd support got me through Beach Rd. Seeing my family and close friends on the return home was comforting to hear. At the 32km mark, I refocused myself and set myself a goal to cross the finish line, knowing my family and friends would be proud of me no matter what. Joining the half marathoners on St Kilda Rd provided some additional people to work with. As I ran past the Shrine, I saw numerous people pulling over and managing their cramps. As we re-joined half marathoners past Flinders Street station and towards the MCG, I finally found my legs again and eyed off numerous marathon runners.
As I entered the MCG, I could see the finish line, and with 2:52:50 on the clock, I knew I could run under 2:55, hence sprinted as hard as I could to the finish line, with the crowd roaring for all athletes.
Once I crossed the finish line, I was relieved to see 2:54:41 on the clock, under the 3 hour mark for my debut was a solid race. I saw my coach once I crossed the line and was overwhelmed by emotions, including relief, excitement and disappointment for not achieving my A goal.
As I was walking back to my bag, I was already thinking about my training for my next Marathon, specifically the additional 1%'s, including continuing to practise my nutrition routine during training, additional leg strength training and using my racing super shoes for my long tempos. It was a physical and mental challenge out on course, but proud of myself for completing my first Marathon and forever grateful for all my support on course and behind the scenes to accomplish completing my first Marathon.
'Marathon is as much mental strength as it is physical strength’- “
Shania
Melbourne Marathon
10km:
Women:
(F14-17): Matilda L’Estrange 38:25 (2nd/162); Ella Littlehales 46:27 (11th/162)
(F18-19): Fleur Owen 45:27 (1/105)
Men: (U13): Brodie Batt 38:45 (2nd/154)
Marathon:
Women:
(20-24): Shania Murray 2:54:41 (1st/ 194) (F 12/1886)
(45-49): Cathy Williams 4:59.09 (137/183)
(50-54): Debbie McKenzie 4:39:38 (79/141)
(55-59): Jo Moxon 4:59:24 (58/70)
Men:
(35-39): James Telford 2:52:38 (60/929); Dylan Littlejohn 2:54:12 (68/929)
(40-44): Charles Jacobson 2:54:31 (33/707); Brent McPherson 3:10:28 (98/707); Daniel Rees 3:13:06 (110/707)
(45-49): Craig Cassidy 2:55:10 (28/520)
(55-59): Andrew McKenzie 4:39:38 (166/216)
Half Marathon:
Women:
(45-49): Cathy Williams 4:59.09 (137/183)
Box Hill Twilight
Tuesday 17 October 2023
Box Hill
DVAC Results:
Women:
800m: Ally Brooks 2:21.76
Men:
800m: Jarryd Cripps 2:06.29
1500m: Caden Murray 4:00.93; Rhodri Whelan 4:35.42
VICTORIAN MILERS CLUB: Meet #1
Thursday 9 November 2023
Lakeside Stadium
DVAC Results:
Female OP
3000m: Poppy Scot-Dalgleish 10:10.55; Rose Jarvis 10:44.99; Grace Robinson 11:03.83; Lucy Johns 12:23.93; Fleur Owen 12:46.86;
Male OP
3000m: Cameron Ellis 9:31.42; Joel Imbriano 9:50.79; Glen Imbriano 11:12.41;
Rare Air – Meet #1
Lakeside Stadium
Thursday 9 November 2023
DVAC Results:
Pole Vault:
Elysia Kenshole 4.15m; Gaelyne Kenshole 2.50m; Alana Green NM
DVAC 2023 WINTER AWARDS
Thursday 19 October 2023
Willinda Park Function Room:
A good turnout attended the 2023 DVAC Winter season awards in the Willinda Park Function Room. It was pleasing to have most Trophy winners on hand to receive their award. Greg Luck was thanked for his work as DVAC Handicapper over the Winter season.
Well done to everyone who participated, assisted or supported our club and DVAC athletes throughout the Cross Country Season!
See below our athletes who received a Championship, Handicap, Marathon, Volunteer and Club age group championship award.
DVAC Cross Country Awards:
Junior Men
3rd- Logan Armstrong-Bourne
2nd- Rhodri Whelan
1st- Ethan Armstrong-Bourne
Junior Women
3rd- Rose Jarvis
2nd- Matilda L’Estrange
1st- Heidi Kuppler
Open Men
3rd- James Telford
2nd- Dylan Littlejohn
1st- Caden Murray
Open Women
3rd- Taylor Radatti
2nd- Adina Morrow
1st- Shania Murray
Masters Men
3rd- Daniel Rees
2nd- Craig Cassidy
1st- Aaron Scot-Dalgleish
Masters Women
3rd- Karen Quinn
2nd- Jo Moxon
1st- Debbie McKenzie
Cross Country Handicap Awards:
Junior Men:
3rd- Rhodri Whelan
2nd- Ethan Armstrong-Bourne
1st- Dillon Vidanapathirana
Junior Women
3rd- Georgia L’Estrange
2nd- Heidi Kuppler
1st- Lucy Johns
Open Men
3rd- Blake Barnes
2nd- Dylan Littlejohn
1st- James Telford
Open Women
3rd- Taylor Radatti
2nd- Adina Morrow
1st- Shania Murray
Masters Men
3rd-Brett Maloney
2nd- Aaron Scot-Dalgleish
1st- Rob Wendel
Masters Women
3rd- Karen Quinn
2nd- Debbie McKenzie
1st- Jo Moxon
Fastest Marathon:
Male- Chris Rancie (2.28.48)
Female- Shania Murray (2.54.41)
Victorian Cross Country Age group champions-
DVAC Female U16: Lucy Johns, Luella Wood, Rose Jarvis, Georgia L’Estrange, Matilda Johnson, Heidi Kuppler
DVAC Female U18: Matilda L’Estrange, Ally Brooks, Poppy Scot-Dalgleish, Erin Maloney, Ella Littlehales
Male 60+ Short course: Lyle Douglas, Greg Luck, Rob Wendel, Peter Ramsay
2023 Winter Volunteer award
Alexia Moxon
Honorable mention
David Armstrong (for all his assistance and contribution to the club)
