GOLD COAST AIRPORT MARATHON
Matt's last few steps as
witnessed by Nicky Turner
Page 6
I, of course,
had already finished my race for the day since I had competed in
the Half Marathon. I was a little disappointed in missing out
on achieving my goal by 15 seconds (although I had set that goal
for October, not July), but quite pleased with my efforts since
I knew I gave it all I had.
"We heard the desperate cries of someone"
Whilst my friend and I were
waiting for a couple of other friends to finish the Marathon we
continued to clap the great achievement of everyone that
finishes the Marathon. Suddenly we heard the desperate cries of
someone in the crowd screaming to a competitor heading towards
us.
We were positioned 100m from the
finish line and wondered what the commotion was about. Then we
saw this guy staggering towards us, obviously extremely
distressed and really struggling to hold it together. His mate
was screaming "Matty, Matty", as the runner collapsed to the
ground in front of us, eyes rolling in the back of his head.
The crowd started to urge Matt on
Two marshals ran towards him to
offer assistance but he yelled at them to leave him alone,
assuring them he was okay. Then, what can be described as truly
inspirational and emotional, Matty stood whilst the crowd
surrounding us (including myself and my friend) all started
calling out "Matty" and clapping encouragement to him to get up.
I stood on the barriers urging him
on to the finish, hoping that the cheers from the crowd would
help him to the finish. As I realised that he had made it I
looked to my friend (who is not a runner) and noticed, that like
me, she had tears in her eyes!!
The human body is an amazing thing...........
The human body is an amazing thing
but the courage and strength of mind that Matt displayed in that
last 100m was a greater feat. I keep telling people that a Half
Marathon is not 21km but 21.1km and that the last 100m is the
hardest. Well Matty proved that (and he ran twice as far!!).
Congratulations on showing such
strength Matt and for providing me and my friend with a
wonderful memory (just sorry you had to suffer for it!).
Nicky Turner
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