Echuca-Moama runner Archie Reid is relishing the challenge ahead of him in his first long-distance running event since a blistering turnout in Launceston back in June.
Reid lines up for the Melbourne Half-Marathon this Sunday alongside some illustrious athletic talent for company, with some Olympic identities slated to take their position on the start line.
If the 20-year-old found it a daunting prospect, he didn’t indicate any hint of discomfort when speaking to The Riv. He is already forming his strategies in the 21km dash through the Victorian capital.
“It’s exciting to race guys like Jack Rayner, who have been to the Olympics in the marathon,” Reid said.
“There’s a couple of favourites (in the race), so I’ll try and sit in with them and try my best to beat them.
“I want to hopefully run a PB and try to get a place — hopefully a medal.”
Reid’s competition schedule has been an interrupted one of recent times.
The young athlete’s bid to run in the Gold Coast Marathon in July was left in ruins after a snap COVID-19 lockdown thwarted the popular event.
This was after Reid’s latest event in Tasmania, where he posted a blistering PB of 29.22 in the C5 Pro-Solutions 10km race — second on the all-time fastest Australian under-20 times.
Since then, he’s been forced to bide his time with COVID-19 restrictions scuppering the sporting calendar.
But on Tuesday night Reid made his return through the Victorian 5km Championships at Albert Park.
Reid crossed the line in 11th with a time of 14.35.
“It was more of a hit-out just to see where my fitness was,” he said.
“I didn’t run as well as I wanted to, but that’s all right; I can focus on the half-marathon now.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“Half-marathon is my best event at the moment. I’ve really enjoyed the format and I’m looking forward to doing it again.
“I was ready to go for the Gold Coast half-marathon back in July, but that got cancelled.
“It sort of feels like everything’s back now — we don’t have to worry about cancellations.”
Thousands will line up for the 43rd iteration of the Melbourne Marathon, starting at Batman Ave before crossing the finish line inside the hallowed MCG.