The second woman in the City2Surf on August 13, Marnie Ponton from Glenbrook, was happy to get on the podium after a fourth finish in last year’s event.
“I’m definitely happy with the improvements, I’ve wanted to get on the podium for a while,” the 33-year-old said.
Ponton finished the 14km race in 48:49, more than a minute quicker than her 2016 result, and just behind female winner Celia Sullohern, 47:03.
She stuck with Sullohern for the first 2km. “Then it was really apparent her flat speed and downhill speed was faster,” Ponton said. “My goal was to get in the 48s [48 minutes] so that was good. I’m super happy with the way I ran.”
She’ll have another crack next year for the number one spot. “I can see myself going back. It's a really great course, it’s hard the whole way. I love the big down hills and the big hills,” Ponton said.
Harry Summers took out the men's race for the second year in a row. He crossed the line in 42:09, after recovering from a recent injury.
Ponton, who is coached by Brendan Davies, now turns her attention to the Zatopek 10: Australian 10,000m Championships in Victoria in December. She’s aiming to finish the track event in less than 33 minutes.
Then it’s on to Japan in March to tackle the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, forgoing defending her title in the Six Foot Track Marathon, also in March.
“The next year or two I’ll focus on seeing how fast I can get in the road marathons … but I still also train on trail.”