NAT HEATH
NEWCASTLE'S Nat Heath flew home from Japan yesterday after a successful run in the Tokyo Marathon.
Heath, along with Korey Summers, from Alice Springs, and Jurgean Tabuai, from Saibai Island, was selected to run as part of the 2012 Indigenous Marathon Project New York Marathon squad in April last year.
However, their marathon dreams were put on hold when the New York Marathon was cancelled after the city was hit by Superstorm Sandy.
The three raced in the Tokyo Marathon instead.
About 35,000 competitors competed in the marathon despite the testing conditions, with temperatures reaching a low of minus two degrees the night before the race.
Summers lead the Indigenous Marathon Project pack over the finish line, setting an Indigenous Marathon Project record of 3.08.51 for the 42.195-kilometre course.
Heath was the second Indigenous Marathon Project athlete over the line in 3.14.51, also setting an Indigenous Marathon Project record, with Jurgean close behind in 3.27.50.
■ The Indigenous Marathon Project is now on the look-out for the next crop of runners to take on the New York Marathon in November. Go to imp.org.au.
