Farewell to “the Rock” at Asics Marathon Relay

Sunday, July 2nd saw the final chapter in the long and successful competitive running career of Nick Fragomeni. Fittingly, he was able to cross the line first when completing the final leg of the relay with the “Asics Racing Team”(*)

Nick moved to Perth from Melbourne in October, 1998 (at age of 34) and has continued as one of the top runners in the state through until the present. He won the 2002 West Australian 5km championship, 2003 Stawell Gift 2 mile (fulfilling a life long ambition at 39 years of age) and a swag of major fun runs, still holding course records at the Asics Bridges 5km (15.11), Joondalup 5km, the Run for Gold (formerly Olympic 5km 15.16) and the Rottnest 10km (32.10). Most importantly, Nick bought a fierce commitment and competitive drive to Western Australian distance running which helped to eliminate the “rank and file” scenario that seemed to exist here prior to his arrival.

He will be sorely missed by his talented training group and throughout the local running community. Personally, Nick has been a friend, competitor, team-mate, advisor and role model over the last 8 years. I have seen him from all angles and can say categorically that I have never once seen him take a backward step from anything or anyone under any circumstances. I think this determination is the legacy he will leave with me and I hope some of it has rubbed off. I wish him all the best in the future and look forward to catching up at the National Duathlon Championships in August in Melbourne.

On another note it was fantastic to see Todd Ingraham win his second Perth Marathon in a great time of 2.26.11. Todd has been running since he was 13 years old (he is now 32) and his resilience and hard work is to be admired. He is a hard man- my greatest memory of him is arriving to run 30km at Helena Valley just as he finished his first 30km lap…he then ran the second lap with a group which included all WA’s top runners and proceeded to win a final sprint uphill at the end of 60km ahead of all of us. That is tough!

Personally, the run today was aided by beautiful weather and I was very happy to cover the 14.3km of my leg in 45.48. I ran through 10km in 32.10 and then continued at the same pace for the final 4.3km. The effort confirmed that I am career best form and I am looking forward to the remainder of my preparations for the National Duathlon Championships.

Running Regards
Radar

(* Team consisted of Raf Baugh 14.3km (45.48 10km split 32.10), Shaphan Cox 9.4km , Courtney Carter 9.3km, Nick “The Rock” Fragomeni 9.2km)