Brett Robinson made history in Japan on Sunday, breaking the Australian marathon record that had been held by Robert de Castella since 1986.
Robinson was competing in the Fukoka International Marathon and finished the event in two hours seven minutes 31 seconds, surpassing de Castella’s old record of 2:07:51 at the Boston Marathon.
The 31-year-old, who is from Melbourne, finished fourth out of 36 competitors with a time that was a personal best by two minutes and 21 seconds.
Speaking to Athletics Australia after the result, Robinson said it was a “great feeling” to finally break the record he had been chasing “a few times now”.
“I always talk about going for it before a race but I didn’t mention it to anyone this time around. I went about my own business and I finally got it. I knew I was capable of it,” Robinson said.
“The current crop of Australian athletes are smashing records at the moment, and this was one of the last long standing ones for us to tick off, so it means a lot to me to finally get this today.”
It was a just reward for Robinson, who has battled stomach pain in a number of recent races, including last year’s Olympic marathon in Tokyo where he finished 66th.
Robinson said that he once again had to overcome the stomach issues in Japan but was better equipped to handle it this time around.
“It was good race, but I still encountered some of the same problems that I usually have with my stitch. I had it in London during my last race, but I learnt to deal with it by breathing differently. It allowed me to keep going and keep a good pace,” he said.
“There’s always panic that sets in once I feel it coming on but after dealing with it, I was confident that I could stick within the pack.”
Australia’s All-Time Top 10 – Men’s Marathon, per Athletics Australia:
1. Brett Robinson, 2:07.31 – Fukuoka, Japan (4.12.2022)
2. Rob de Castella, 2:07.51 – Boston, USA (21.4.1986)
3. Steve Moneghetti, 2:08:16 – Berlin, Germany (30.9.1990)
4. Derek Clayton, 2:08.33.6 – Antwerp, Belgium (30.5.1969)
5. Pat Carroll, 2:09.39 – Beppu-Oita, Japan (5.2.1995)
6. Lee Troop, 2:09:49 – Lake Biwa, Japan (2.5.2003)
7. Gary Henry, 2:10:09 – Fukuoka, Japan (7.12.1980)
8. Brad Camp, 2:10:11 – Gold Coast, Australia (23.7.1989)
9. Dave Chettle, 2:10:20 – Fukuoka, Japan (7.12.1975)
10. Shaun Creighton, 2:10:22 – Berlin, Germany (28.9.1997) & Nick Harrison 2:10:22 – Beppu-Oita, Japan (3.2.2003)
