Former New Zealand Olympian, Michael Aish, and former World 1/2 Marathon representative, Gabrielle O'Rouke, both secured third place finishes at the 2011 Sydney Marathon today.
Aish, a Kiwi who has represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and World Athletics Champs in the 5000m and 10,000 and Cross Country Championships is based in Colorado and is returning to serious racing after recent down-time due to IAAF transfer rules and work.
After moving through 10km in 32:06 with the lead pack, Aish, who is now eligible to compete for the USA, passed half way in 1:09 before dropping off the pace and finishing in 2:26:40. Aish hit the US Olympic Trials standard of 2:19 with his 2:15:46 in Tempe, Arizona in January 2009 and was using this event to gauge his readiness for the Trials race in Texas in January.
In the Women's race Gabrielle O'Rourke also headed out with the lead pack, hitting the 10km mark in just under 40:30 before letting the front two move away and running an even paced 2:53:17.
The two races were won by Kiplimo Kemboi of Kenya in 2:17 and Hadush Letay of Ethiopia in 2:43.
Full Results
