Mr McARTHUR (9:15 PM) —Martin Luther King famously said, ‘I have a dream.’ Les Noseda, the elder statesman of Apollo Bay, had another dream, which was the inspiration to create an international marathon along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Apollo Bay, in the heartland of the seat of Corangamite. On Sunday, 16 May 2005 this dream became a reality. International runners joined with locals and interstate performers to test this iconic marathon course.

They came in all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities. To a man and to a woman they voted the event to be of world significance, like the course itself. Les Noseda and his dedicated small group guaranteed the event with their own money and took a huge risk in staging this first Great Ocean Road International Marathon. Les Noseda was assisted by the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, with Ross Stephens—as chairman—Nick Polgeeft, Gerry Tidd and Councillor Joe Di Ceccio. This small committee were ably assisted by Stephan Traueb, Frank Buchanan and Darren Brimmacombe. This group were instrumental in arranging the detail of this classic event over the last six months.

Congratulations go to John Craven for his fantastic capability in organising an event of this calibre and standing. His experience in organising the Otway Classic and the Melbourne to Warrnambool bike race showed through during the preparation for the Great Ocean Road marathon. The endorsement of Steve Moneghetti and Lee Troop of the concept and the event meant that international runners were encouraged to participate. Lee Troop was unfortunately injured. However, Steve Moneghetti, in his inimitable style, ran the full marathon in two hours and 42 minutes, which included an extra three kilometres to the 45-kilometre mark in order to finish in Apollo Bay. Mona congratulated the event organisers for their great country spirit, the Apollo Bay atmosphere and the friendly welcome to all competitors. He assured the locals that he would be back next year supporting this emerging international marathon.

There were 376 runners in the marathon, which was won by Machuka of Kenya in two hours and 31 minutes. The real heroes of the marathon were those who finished further down the field but completed the course in under five hours. The half-marathon was won by Jacob Mwema from Kenya in one hour and 10 minutes, a total journey of 23 kilometres. Over the weekend there were 1,270 competitors running in the Paradise and Mariners Lookout short runs. The locals say, ‘Who can reach Paradise in 14 kilometres?’ The Great Ocean Road marathon will be soon competing with the Boston, New York and London marathons on the international circuit for prestige, unique and iconic landscape and, of course, the friendly hospitality of the people of Lorne and Apollo Bay.

VicRoads are to be thanked and congratulated for their support in closing the Great Ocean Road from 7 am to 3 pm on the Sunday of the event. Without their cooperation this great event could not have happened. The Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce are forever grateful. Many sponsors helped to get the event off the ground in an uncertain commercial and sponsorship climate—our grateful thanks to them. The Chamber of Commerce appreciated the coverage by the Geelong Advertiser and its positive support. Also the outstanding special media coverage of the event by Channel 7 was most helpful, and the assistance of the Rotary clubs of Colac in the drink stations aided the organisers and the athletes.

Personally, I have supported the Great Ocean Road marathon from its earliest days and felt honoured to participate in the inaugural event. As my twin sons James and Andrew say, ‘Pain is temporary and glory is forever.’ I was not too sure about the glory bit at the 17-kilometre mark, nor was I over the last two kilometres, but I finished and pulled up well. The inaugural medal, which I show here to members of the House, for every finisher of the half-marathon made all the pain and effort worth while. My time was two hours and seven minutes for the 21 kilometres—not a bad effort for an older runner, age not recorded. There is local support for the Prime Minister to participate in next year’s event and speed walk against the member for Corangamite over the full course. Steve Moneghetti would be very pleased to make the presentation to the winner.