WEST AUSSIES DOMINATE SYDNEY MARATHON
Published Fri 22 Sep 2023
The WA team came to play at a historic Sydney Marathon over the weekend, with state athletes competing in the largest marathon to ever take place in Australia.
WA’s Madison de Rozario sped home to claim a spectacular maiden title, whilst Dean Menzies claimed a hard-fought silver medal and Kate Baker continued her year of hot form, scoring a bronze medal amongst strong competition.
WA’s athletes dominated the Australian field, with every male athlete finishing in the top 20, and every female athlete placing within the top 15 of the entire country. The efforts of our athletes were well rewarded, as the Women’s Team won a silver medal with 15 points, whilst the Men’s Team scored a bronze medal with 21 points.
Madison de Rozario led the way for the country with the Aussie Hero facing off against a stacked field and warm conditions. No stranger to the podium, de Rozario looked to use every ounce of experience across the Sydney course to claim her second major Marathon win in 2023.
Speaking to the Wide World Sports post-race, de Rozario said,
“It shocks you every time you hear your name when you’re out there on the road. [It was] unreal, the crowd was insane and racing at home is unlike anything else”
“Winning in front of an Australian crowd is always incredible.”
Crossing the line in 1:59.41, de Rozario’s win adds another impressive feather to her cap with previous wins in the London Marathon (2018 and 2023) and the TCS New York Marathon (2021).
Dean Menzies (Masters WA) was able to continue WA’s podium momentum with an impressive run in the Men’s Marathon race. Improving on his 8th place finish at the Australian Half-Marathon Champs and 6th place at the Oceania Marathon Championships, Menzies secured his best result of the year bringing home a silver medal with a time of 2:23:37.
“Running can be somewhat of an individual pursuit, so whenever there’s a chance to represent the State it’s quite special as it provides an added source of motivation in racing for more than yourself.” Menzies said.
“Going into the race the goal was to be top 3 in Australia. I was in second for most of the race but never felt like I was ‘home’ until the last turn when the Opera House and finish line were in sight. Once I hit there, I was both relieved and happy.”
Capping off WA’s incredible crop of individual medal honours was former Ironman winner Kate Baker (Independent) who pushed hard to produce an outstanding result on debut for the state. Baker was 12th across the line in a packed field and secured the bronze medal in 2:46:36. Building off a string of strong performances in 2023, Baker walked away with both a national medal and new personal best.
“[It was] absolute relief to cross the finish line. I took a risk to run faster than I ever have over the marathon and the last 10km was a real struggle. I had completely emptied the tank and was so relieved to find my coach Tina Ingraham, and my husband and kids. I literally cried in their arms just thankful for a successful day and completing a really tough marathon with a new PB.” Baker said.
“The running community in WA is just going from strength to strength. We have some great athletes here and fantastic coaches, we may be more bound by travel distances, but I think once we get on the big stages, we show how tough WA athletes are.”
WA had three women in Australia’s top ten with Baker joined by Kirsten Buist (Masters WA) claiming ninth in Australia with a personal best of 2:56:46 and Kathryn Watt (Independent) securing 10th in 3:04:00. Nicole Moylan (Independent) rounded out the Women’s team dominance, with the WA runner the 14th Australian across the line in 3:19:26.
“I was so proud to stand on the start line with our fantastic team and show the rest of Australia the talent over here in the West.” Baker added.
While in the Men’s competition Dean Menzies was joined by Thomas Tedge (Independent), who finished in 8th with a new personal best time of 2:37:58, Joel Crossing (Independent) who finished in 16th with a time of 2:49:53 and Ryan Shand (Independent), who completed the race in 18th spot with a time of 2:56:06.
To find complete results from the 2023 Sydney Marathan and Australian Marathon Championships, click HERE.
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By Dylan Gane, Athletics West
Additional reporting by Sydney Marathon, Wide World of Sports and Athletics Australia
Posted on 22 September 2023
