Winner of the women’s Nike Marathon was Gemma Maini from Victoria, who tackled the 42.195km course in a time of 2:35:25. Marking her marathon debut, Maini also received a coveted cash prize of $20,000 and the iconic Kerryn McCann Award as the first Australian female finisher. Gemma talked us through her experience at the Melbourne Marathon, and passed on some winners wisdom to all those looking to tackle their first marathon.
What was it like running your first Melbourne Marathon and going on take the win?
It was surreal actually finally racing my first marathon, after supporting others on this course numerous times to actually be the one on course was so much fun, I loved the atmosphere and the energy on course. To win was an added and unexpected bonus that made the finish much more emotional and obviously exciting. It wasn’t something I thought about until the last few km’s.
What’s your best advice to those looking to run their first Marathon?
Be patient early on in the race and start slower than you think for the first 5km. It gets harder at 30-32km so you want something left to be able to attack the final stages of the race and to make it a more enjoyable experience.
Do you have a favourite moment from the day?
Favourite moment was celebrating with my partner and coach Matt Davy and my fellow Ninch Track Club training partners who all ran. And of course seeing my 16 month old Ollie watching me on the livestream.
What was your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part is finishing on the MCG…a fantastic place to finish with the crowds and the significance of the location to all those Melbournian locals.
What three words would you use to describe the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival?
The. Best. Event
