Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me. I’m the Marathon Man — also known as Matt Whitaker.
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The runner from Port Melbourne blitzed the record for the men’s Shepparton Running Festival marathon on Sunday, finishing with a time of 2:23.28.
This specific marathon course has only been used for the past two years, but Whitaker’s result broke the men’s winning time from 2023 (2:37.17 set by Levi Hauwert) by nearly 14 minutes.
Whitaker’s record-breaking run highlighted an excellent weekend for the Shepparton Running Festival, with race director Matt Morris saying the event also broke one of its own records.
“I thought the weekend went brilliantly,” Morris said.
“The weather held up before the storm came on Sunday.
“There were just over 1400 registrations for the two days, which is a record for this event.
“It was a great festival atmosphere at the finish line.
“So much positivity from the participants, the volunteers, the event team, spectators out on the course holding the signs up.”
Maddison Hooke (42:24) and Josh Sait (34:26) won the female and male 10km races, respectively.
Maddy Clarke (1:30.22) and AJ Beer (1:09.44) won the female and male half marathons, respectively, while Halisa Nicolaci won the female marathon with a time of 3:20.19.
Whitaker, the star of the day, flew through the flat course, although Morris said he thinks the star runner could have gone even faster.
“(Whitaker) looked like he could have gone about 10 minutes quicker; he was cruising,” he said.
“It’s a massive course record and an incredible run.”
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Runner Tim Russell was pleased to cross the finish line. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 19
Runner James Bodycoat soared through the race. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 19
Runner Kylie Doddrell puts in the hard yards. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 19
Runner Amelia O'Reilly waves to her fans. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 19
Runner Azahlia Palmer was in the zone. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 19
Runner Michael Eldred AKA The Green Machine. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 19
Runner Hannah D'Andrea was flying in the purple and gold. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 19
Runner Daniel Snowball wasn't melting under the pressure. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 19
Runner Adrian Pensak was looking sleek in the all black kit. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 19
Runner Kim Gospel heads to the holy land (finish line). Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 19
Runner Ashtyn Royakkers flew through the course. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 19
Runner Jay Humphreys had a peaceful race. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 19
Runner Sarah Bingham was right on time. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 19
Runner JP Butler checks his time. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 15 of 19
Runner George Lester on the home stretch. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 16 of 19
Runner Mila Palmer finishes with a sprint. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 17 of 19
Runner Zivanja Copsey had fun in the sun. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 18 of 19
Runner Kylie Reither with a poker face at the finish. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 19 of 19
Runner David Ash was surfing a wave of adrenaline. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe Shepparton Running Festival has grown year after year since its inception in 1998, with 2024 being the biggest and best, according to Morris.
However, the race director said he and his team already had plans for how to continue developing the festival.
“We have ideas to keep improving and growing the event,” he said.
“I think we have a good grasp of where the event is and where the gaps are.
“We know what we want to build; we are keen to expand and grow it for the years to come.”
Cadet Sports Journalist