NEW AUSTRALIAN MARATHON RECORD

Trent Morrow from Bondi Beach in Sydney has broken the record for the number of Marathons run in a calendar year by an Australian.

Morrow, 40, has run 57 official marathons so far this year.

The previous record, set in 2010, was 52 (49 marathons and 3 ultra-marathons), completed in 52 weeks by Melbourne man, Tristan Miller.

After completing his 55th marathon in just five months in Edinburgh, Scotland last week, Morrow then travelled to Stockholm, Sweden where he successfully completed marathon number 56 last Saturday and then to Ireland where he completed Marathon number 57 in the City of Cork yesterday.

Now he returns to the United States on Wednesday where he has ten marathons scheduled in June before, a short visit to Australia for three marathons in three days in Cairns on the 28, 29 and 30^th June.

He expects to be running in the Gold Coast marathon on Sunday 7 July.

Morrow ran his first marathon of 2013 on New Year’s Day in Houston, Texas and since then has been running an average of 2.5 marathons every week. In one 13 day stretch from 16 – 28 March, Morrow competed in one marathon each day in the US.

 “I’m proud of this milestone,” Morrow said, “but there is still a long way to go. The ultimate goal is to run 160 marathons this year, and in the process set a new world record.”

The present World Record for number of marathons in a calendar year stands at 114, set by Travviss Willcox from the UK in 2011, but there is a claim, still to be verified for 157 marathons run in 2012.

Morrow’s goal is not just about attempting a new World Record, though. The real purpose of the project is to raise awareness and support for cancer research and to promote healthy living.

“I’m pleased to be representing Australia on the world running stage”, Morrow said, but especially to be raising money and awareness of the incredible work being done by leading international cancer charities including Can Too and the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation and to promote better, healthy living.”

“Taking up running has been a powerful force for change in my life.” said Morrow.

“The focus I had on my career had caused me to lose sight of my health and with no regular fitness schedule, poor diet had resulted in me gaining weight and suffering from a lack of energy. Fortunately, I recognised that it was time for me to take personal responsibility and change my life for the better. I hope to inspire other Australians that it is possible for them to achieve better health.”

Julia Thorn and Jane Trumper hold the record for women, with each having completed 20 marathons in 2012.

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QUICK FACTS

 

TRENT MORROW, ‘THE MARATHON MAN’: www.marathonman.com.au

·        Trent Morrow is a 40 year old marathon and ultra-marathon runner from Sydney, Australia

·        New Australian Record Holder for the most number of official marathons in a calendar year!

·        Successfully completed 57 marathons since 1^st January 2013 on road to Guinness World Record

·        Successfully completed more than 110 marathons and 11 ultra-marathons since 2008

·        The first person to complete a marathon in all states and territories in Australia and on both islands of New Zealand in 2011 and 2012

·        International Ultra Events include Marathon des Sables 250km in 2008, Comrades Marathon in 2010 90km and Sahara Race 250km in 2011

·        Running as the “Marathon Man” this Super Hero is setting the example for many around the world and showing that each and every person can become their own super hero, no matter age or background should they want it enough

·        A Marathon is 42.195 kilometres

·        In 2013, Trent has run 2,363 kms in marathons

·        That’s the distance from Sydney, NSW – Townsville, QLD!

·        That’s equal to running from Sydney – Broken Hill return!

·        That’s equal to running from Melbourne – Brisbane and on to Gladstone, QLD! Nearly to Rockhampton!

 

CURE CANCER AUSTRALIA: www.cure.com.au

·        Cure Cancer fund young and innovative Australian researchers seeking a cure for cancer.

·        Since 1967, our focus has been on the cure, not the type of cancer. We are one of the few Australian charities seeking to find a cure for all cancers.

·        We have channelled close to $20 million in the form of grants to 460 extraordinary Australians who rely on our independent funding to investigate potential breakthroughs for a cure for cancer.

·        A number of researchers who received early career seed funding from us are now amongst Australia’s most prominent cancer researchers and are making real ground in the fight against cancer. We give Australian scientists the critical support they need early in their careers.

·        In 2013, grants have been awarded to 38 researchers working in diverse areas of cancer research such as leukaemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, osephageal cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, bone cancer, sarcoma, pancreatic cancer, epithelial vaccine, DNA research and psycho-social cancer patient care.

·        We have a strong base of loyal supporters who are united with us in our vision to see “A world without cancer, nothing less.” Without their support, what we achieve would simply not be possible.

 

CAN TOO: www.cantoo.org.au

·        Can Too is the principal fundraising arm of the Cure Cancer Foundation.

 

GILLING STRATEGY & RESEARCH www.gilling.com.au

·        Gilling Strategy & Research is a strategic research, media and communications consultancy.

·        Founded in 2003, Gilling has worked with many of Australia’s most recognisable brands, including Qantas, Telstra, American Express, AAMI, LG and Disney.

·        Its Principal, Jeff Gilling is regularly called upon by media to comment on the demographic and social trends that are shaping our changing world.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, HI-RES IMAGES, INTERVIEWS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeff Gilling, Gilling Strategy & Research                                                     M. 0432 011 600

 

FOR QUOTES OR OTHER COMMENT PLEASE CONTACT:

Trent Morrow, ‘The Marathon Man’                                                         E.trent@marathonman.com.au

Tristan Miller, Endurance runner – www.RunLikeCrazy.com                  M. 0414 356 244

Joanne Gilbert, Fundraising & Mktng Manager, Cure Cancer Australia               T. 02 8072 6116 or

M. 0421 225 794

Susannah Miall, Business Manager, Can Too                                                           M. 0410 814 215