Newcastle-based runner Vlad Shatrov has taken out back to back wins in Saturday’s Six Foot Track Marathon.
Finishing the 45km race from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves in 3 hours 18 minutes 8 seconds, Shatrov was less than three minutes outside his winning 2017 time, which was the third fastest time in the history of the race.
“Great front running by Vlad from Coxs River,” said race director John Bowe. “It’s the first time since 2003/2004 we have had back to back wins by a male runner. Back then it was the legendary three-times Six Foot winner Paul Every, who was back running Six Foot again on Saturday.”
Bullaburra native and Olympian Ben St Lawrence had been expected to challenge for the title, but after being among the front runners early on, withdrew from the race due to injury.
Sydney runners David Criniti, 3:23:31, and Mark Green, 3:27:55, were second and third respectively, followed by renowned ultra marathon runner Brendan Davies from Woodford in fourth at 3:30:44. Andy Lee of Warrimoo pushed on to achieve 13th in 3:42:44.
Female winner Steph Auston from Merimbula romped home in 3:57:08, staking a claim in the record books as eighth fastest time ever. Lou Clifton from Mt Victoria, who had battled a leg injury in a 100km race four weeks ago, finished eighth in 4:19:46. Woodford’s Jo Brischetto wasn’t far behind in 15th at 4:30:52.
There were good race conditions, although early on it was damp and humid which slowed runners down.
