West Australian Marathon Club
(Incorporated in Western Australia) 

PO BOX 104, BURSWOOD WA 6100
Ph.9472 4833 Fax 9472 4855 e-mail wamc@iinet.net.au 

BROOKS ROTTNEST MARATHON & FUN RUN 
21st October, 2007
Race History

VENI VIDI VICI – “I came, I saw, I conquered”

The inaugural Rottnest Marathon was run in October 1994.  In that year 72 runners completed the four lap, scenic undulating island course and a plaque with the names of those finishers has been placed in the Rottnest Hotel.  Ray Brown took out the men’s race in a time of 2:35:50 and visiting New Zealand runner Nyla Carroll took the women’s title in 2:52:20 - this remains the course record for women.  The current course record for men is 2:29:24 held by Todd Ingraham set in 1998.

The race has established its own bit of mythology.  The legend has it that Harry McFordyce, an immigrant prisoner on Rottnest Island some 70 years ago escaped the hands of justice and attempted to run off the island.  On the fourth leg around the island McFordyce succumbed to dehydration and died.  Those running the marathon will see and hear the ghost of Harry playing his bagpipes throughout the race.  On the last lap at the foot of Harry’s Hill, runners are given a gold coin, which must be carried up the hill and deposited at the feet of the Piper.

Legend says failure to do this will result in cramps, dehydration and a possible DNF imposed on the runner by the ghost of Harry.

The marathon is symbolized by its motto “Veni Vidi Vici” and it’s logo a quokka, a rat-like marsupial native to the island.  The quokka that has survived throughout time reflects that this marathon will also survive because it is a marathon designed to meet the needs of all runners, regardless of talent, speed or size.

Any queries should be directed to the Race Director:
Bob Braid at Runner’s World on 9227 7281 or 0419 004 935.