One of the most respected 10,000m globally is the Zatopek. It is also the Aussie championships, and many top athletes have competed there. This year, Stewart McSweyn took the win and NR, running 16 seconds faster than the iconic Ron Clarke (27:39.89) all those years ago.
Stewart McSweyn, photo by PhotoRun.net
McSweyn 27:23.80 NR
MELBOURNE (AUS, Dec 14): World 5000m finalist Stewart McSweyn set an Australian record and Olympic qualifying time of 27:23.80 to win the Zatopek10 (also national championships), breaking Ben St. Lawrence’s mark of 27:24.95. Pat Tiernan was second in a fast 27:31.20, just missing the Olympic qualifying mark of 27:28. The top 13 finishers all broke the 29 minute-barrier. Genevieve Gregson won the women’s race in 32:47.83 (debut at the distance on the track) from Canada’s Andrea Seccafien 32:48.30 PB and Emily Brichacek 32:57.58.