People identify with a marathon runner. The marathon requires persistence and commitment, like life. It is a challenge.
Pat Clohessy has given that persistence and commitment, not in running marathons, but in coaching Australia’s best-known marathon runner, Robert de Castella since Deek was 14.
Tomorrow, 22 years later, Robert de Castella will run what is likely to be his last competitive marathon _ the London marathon.
Clohessy said in Canberra yesterday, “”The reason people identify with the marathon is that anyone can achieve in it. It is a personal achievement. In most cases it is just completing the event. It is a considerable physical feat. The short events do not offer that sense of achievement.”
Clohessy has shared the great times and the disappointing times: when Deek won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Brisbane coming from behind. And beating Alberto Salazar in Rotterdam in 1983 and going on to win the inaugural world title in Helsinki in 1984.
Then came the slump. But Clohessy said Deek always gave his best. His revival came in Boston in 1986 when his best time of two hours, seven minutes, 51 seconds, a record for the Boston which still stands.
De Castella is the only athlete to run the marathon in four Olympics, but his best position was fifth.
Clohessy said de Castella’s training “”has dropped right away now because he has been so busy” with his work as director of the Australian Institute of Sport, where his contract has been renewed for another three years.
On tomorrow’s run Clohessy said, “”This is more a bit of a farewell one. He’s been invited back to run. They wanted him because he has been such a famous figure. He has had a couple of good local runs and some of his training has been reasonable, but not at the intensity it has been before.
“”He’ ll run creditably, but his expectation is not as high as the public’s might be.”
He’ll run for enjoyment and fitness from now.
De Castella said in London on Thursday, “”For the last 15 years I have lived for the marathon. Over the past six months or so it has become more and more difficult. I think I’m looking for other challenges.”
Clohessy said, “”I think it is a good decision a wise decision. He is obviously past his best. I’d prefer him to go out running well rather than continue for the sake of continuing.”
A couple of other marathons runners were coming through in Canberra. Pat Carroll would run marathons this year, including the Gold Coast in July. Gerard Barrett was also coming up and training with the AIS.
Clohessy said Deek had been a great influence on running fraternity.
“”His modesty and demeanour have been a great example,” he said.
He had been a central figure in the running boom of the 1980s and now “”there is a new upsurge in running” as shown by the record last City-to-Surf run and the high attendance at the Canberra Times Women’s Fun Run and Family Fun Run.
The London marathon begins about 4pm Australian time tomorrow and the first runners will finish around 6.15pm.