The MTG is a group of runners who are aiming to run their first marathon. It also caters for previously experienced Marathoners who are coming back after a layoff or those members of the club who would like to join a supportive group specifically aimed at running either or both of the Canberra and Sydney Marathons in a time between 4 – 5 hours. Faster runners (sub 4 hours) are also catered for in the Sunday morning STaRs.
MTG members are grouped according to pace to ensure you always have a buddy to run with.
We provide weekly mailouts with running related information relevant to the MTG as well as a newsletter with the aim of assisting our members attain their goals.
The training needed to run a Marathon takes time and perseverance. The aim of the MTG is to progressively build the group’s weekly running distance from a weekly base of 30 k’s to a maximum of 85 k’s over a period of approximately 16-20 weeks. Our training program is based around the club’s series of weekend STaRs and races.
The MTG relies on everybody in the group running the weekly kilometres necessary to meet the program totals.
On the STaR’s (Sunday Training Runs) the MTG run as a separate pace group.
The Group will support you, and you will enjoy the run. Check the calendar for STaR locations. Also, join the Facebook Group.
The MTG was formed by in 1995 by Kevin O’Kane in 1995, to provide support for runners to move up to the marathon, or to run one after a period of inactivity. In April 2000, following the successful completion of the Host City Marathon Michael Bailey took over the MTG. The first goal for the group was the 2001 Canberra Marathon where 10 new runners all completed their first marathon. In 2003 George Herrison lead the MTG with 6 first time Marathoners in Canberra. From 2004 – 2008, Jim Moody took over, helping many member achieve their first marathon.
Since then we have a many expereinced leaders including Phil Skurrie, Glenn Lockwood and Chris Jackson. Our current MTG leader is Lesley Mason who has lead the group since 2020. In addition to preparing the program, providing updates and coordinating the STaR run leaders, Lesley is an experienced marathoner/ultramarathoner with a Honours degree in Exercise Sport Science.
To join the MTG you must be a financial member of the club and able to run 10km. The group will give the necessary support and guidance when needed, from the vast pool of knowledge of the many experienced marathoners in the club.
At the beginning of the training program you will look forward to the challenge and your aim may be just to go the distance. Once you get to know other runners, friendships are built and the momentum will take you. When you’ve completed your first Marathon a whole new world of running and enjoyment will be open to you.
For more information contact: mtg@sydneystriders.org.au
