THE
INAUGURAL MANINGRIDA MARATHON
Hot, dusty, humid, mozzies, sweat, drinking, nausea, aches
and pains, determination, persistence, and courage. That was what I saw in the Inaugural
Maningrida Marathon today. Two athletes Martine Kramer and Mango,aka (Robert)
Schonherr, a marathon couple. This will
be their 3rd marathon this year.
The day arrived like any other day up here in Arnhemland ,
hot and humid. The mozzies were lurking already. It was pitch black, broken by
the sharp beams of headlights from the escort vehicles. The start line was as
always the water tanks near the airport. What lay ahead was 4 laps of a 10.55
km ribbon of a gravel, dusty, sandy, road with plenty of corrugations thrown in,
which thankfully had been graded by Craig the day before. A small band of
friends and curious onlookers gathered. Our Emergency Services providing backup
and support with vehicles and aid stations. It was great to see the support.
Four a.m. came
around. Pictures, videos, and the last of the good-humoured chatter that
accompanies the start line, and then it was on. Two athletes, side by side,
escort vehicles shining the way ahead. A small breeze picked up, but it was not
a cooling one. Running well, they looked good right on their pace target.
Minute by minute the darkness waned and mozzies really made
an effort to be friendly. Thank goodness for Aeroguard.
It’s not often things go
exactly according to plan. Mango had to deal with his knee. When he stopped
at an aid station to fuel up, it took 300 mt to get going again, his knee was
stiff, and sore and then after running a little more it became bearable again,
but he was asking why this had happened again. It is hard to throw that thought
out, but he did keep going, showing Martine his courage and strength. Martine
meanwhile, was dealing with her own demons of overheating and feel suffocated
in the humid air, but she persisted, and drove on. The 21 km mark came and went.
Now was the time that marathon runners call, “the race start”. The next 21 km
would be tough, and it was. The sun got hot, the shade disappeared and it
became very humid. we had a few four wheel drives, drive past at speed, and
coat us with dust that permeated your eyes, ears, down your lungs and throat.
It became more difficult as the sun gave us a taste of tropical buildup heat.
The focus on forward movement became even sharper, concentrating, became
harder. Sweat dripping off every bit of clothing, and an incredible urge to stop.
Cold water at an aid station to soak the hat, and pour it all over yourself,
man that feels good, so good in fact that you don’t want to leave, but you must
go on. Mango is now limping. His commitment though is strong, and we finally
get to the turnaround point at 32 km. He was going to finish, even if he had to
crawl. He was hot, tired, and sore but if the leg wasn’t so painful his efforts
would have yielded him much better results, for he had done the work in
preparation, but you have to accept whatever this race puts in your way, and
the strength of your character is shown in how you deal with that. His strength,
and determination still shone through, but there was hard effort etched on his
face, as he dealt with the pain.
Martine was really struggling now, her pace was ebbing, then
flowing. She would put in an effort until she could not bear it, and then
backed off. Walking offered some respite, as did the aid stations and the great
encouragement from our small group. It was hard to leave these little oases. She had courage as she pushed on. Her focus
sharpened on her effort, a real battle was going on back and forward between
good and bad. Eight km left. Mango was now walking and jogging. It was painful,
but he was going to get there. Martine couldn’t breathe. It was tough, and
humid, and suffocating. Relax, relax I kept urging her, big breaths, calm
yourself, quieten the mind. Six km left, walking and running became the way to
move forward. Battle on as best you can just so as you keep moving.The simple
effort of running became and all consuming exercise. Three km and we came to the final bend in the
road towards town .Duel thoughts of its nearly over,and its taking so long,
anguish results, Mango had put in a huge effort and was up the road about a
half kilometre. What a class act.
Martine could smell the finish. All of a sudden it was going to happen.
Marathon number three was now a reality. The fire tower came into view. One km
to go,Martine put in a big effort and they caught up to each other, and the effort
was nearly too much. They could see the small group gathered at the end, but it
felt like they were miles away. 100 yards to go and they knew. Clapping, cheering,
and a few tears met them. A small red carpet, and an orange tape at the finish
and then it was over. Such a relief to stop. But it doesn’t take long before
stiffness sets in. To see them hobbling over to their chairs was funny.
Champagne was cracked, sprayed, and drunk. I was very proud
to put the 1st ever Maningrida Marathon Medals around their necks.
I can’t tell you how proud I was of these 2 athletes proving
again that they were willing to put in the work, and tests themselves in an
event that takes your abilities to the edge. The achievement will stay with
them for a long time. They can rest now, and feel that pride that comes with
the achievement.
Martine Kramer and Mango Schonherr, marathoners together.
ENJOY!!!!
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