1982 Commonwealth Games Brisbane Mens Marathon 9th October 1982 1st Rob de Castella (AUS) 2:09:18 2nd Juma Ikangaa (TAN) 2:09:30 3rd Mike Gratton (ENG) 2:12:06
As a schoolboy, I ran cross country events against Deek and also Marcus Clarke (Ron's son). From memory Deek ran for Xavier College and Marcus for Brighton Grammar. One or the other won pretty much every event I was involved in. I was eventually reduced to realising I could never beat them, but I would see how long I could stay with them until they 'kicked'! Great athlete and a very unassuming guy and I was thrilled when he won the Commonwealth golds.
Dek's finest hour. From here, he launched himself onto the world stage, where he covered himself with glory. The best we have ever seem, the BIG MAN. I was an amateur long distance runner and I tried SO hard to emulate his running style but the fact is, you could not.....he was unique......poetry on motion, a total one- off.
Love your answer. This from a former marathon amateur, too. But, of what I'm impressed is the fighting spirit of Juma Ikangaa. A very small athlet who always had the power and the will to make the pace. Mostly he was beaten. But as a "running fighter" he was impressive, no question.
Briefly met Rob deeksie before running my first 1/2 marathon on the Goldcoast years ago Only spoke to him for a few minutes but seemed like a good bloke gave me some good advice about my running I was in my late 30's and had never run a longer distance event before 5k runs were my norm and competition swimming so his advice really helped Recently i met one of his nephews who signed up at the gym and pool where i work
Forgotten by many nowadays but still one of the greatest marathon races, thanks to 2 Tanzanians and one Australian. Ikanga certainly did not fade and De Castella would have had to run such fast splits coming home to make up that ground.
Por ahí leí que Ron Clarke consideró a esta carrera "la mejor carrera de maratón de todos los tiempos"; un recorrido durísimo, colinas por doquier y dos corredore4s que dieron una batalla épica. La mejor carrera de Deek y como siempre Juma Ikangaa dando una pelea de gigante. han pasado casi cuarenta años y sigue siendo una de las carreras más emocionantes. Saludos desde México
Yes, still one of the great marathon races. I was in Brisbane working that morning, I can tell you it was very hot and humid. Very difficult conditions and course as you say.
Creo que ahora es casi unánime la opinión que el mejor maratón de todos los tiempos fue el maratón masculino de los Juegos Olímpicos de Los Ángeles del 1984.
Interesting when they mention Salazar considering all that happened with him recently as a coach. Makes you seriously question him as an athlete too. Deek was the man here!
Adam Thrussell @ Robert De Castella I remember watching on television against those Tanzania runners. Well done for putting in a well planned race. Big M 1981 Marathon Frankston to Melbourne Town Hall. Stay healthy and well
