6 Inch Race Director’s Report

Contributed by David Kennedy, Race Director, 6 Inch

6 Inch Trail Marathon (actually 47kms) started on Sunday, December 17 with wintry weather and more rain than in any of the previous 12 editions. A hot field was assembled for both the women’s and men’s race and they did not disappoint with course records in both races.

First across the line was Scott Hawker in 3:15:39 and although challenged early he increased his lead throughout the 2nd half to run away with a 12-minute margin. In 2nd place on debut was Justin Scarvaci who has previously made his name with quick times on the road. Also on the podium, for the 4th time, was Tom Bakowski.

In the ladies, Nera Jerab fresh off a marathon PB of 2:45 in Berlin, took out 7th overall and a 6-minute chunk off the record with 3:42:56. Her winning margin was also 12-minutes with Katherine Stockwell in 2nd. Rounding out the places was 3-time winner and former Commonwealth Games marathoner Lauren Shelley.

The cool conditions led to many PBs and despite the early showers, the finish line celebrations were enjoyed in generally dry conditions. Nearly 300 runners finished within the 8 hour cut-cuff and about 150 were treated to a taste test over the Half Marathon (23kms).

Save December 16, 2018 for a bigger and better edition number 14!

Pictured: Race Director David Kennedy alerting runners to get to the start line. Photograph – Dennis Tan/Paparazzi on the Run.