Zatopek:10 Tickets

One of the most enduring events in Australian athletics, the Zatopek 10,000 metres race has been held annually since 1961. This event not only attracts the best local male and female distance runners in the country, but has also attracted overseas distance stars from as close as New Zealand, as far as Africa, Europe and America.

The first three years of the Zatopek 10 were dominated by Ron Clarke who set world records for both 6 miles and the 10,000m in the 1963 race. Ron went on to win again in 1968 and 1969, to be the leading winner of Zatopek with five wins. The race continued to thrive as the best distance runners in Australia pitted themselves against one another. Runners of the class of Tony Cook, Ian Blackwood, John Coyle, Derek Clayton, Bill Scott, Dave Fitzsimons, Gerard Barrett, Rob de Castella, Andrew Lloyd, John Andrews, Steve Moneghetti, Lee Troop and Craig Mottram have won the race. Andy Lloyd and Steve Moneghetti have won the race four times. The 28 minute barrier was first broken in 1978 by Gerard Barrett (running 27.51.4) and the first overseas runner to win was Kenyan Gabriel Kamau in 1983, after an epic battle with Rob de Castella. In 1985, New Zealander Rex Wilson won and then, in 1994, another New Zealander, Robbie Johnston, started a seven year run of International winners. The most notable of these runners was Luke Kipkosgei of Kenya who began his international career with his Zatopek win in 1996. He went on to win the race four times and holds the race record of 27.22.54 set in 1998. The most prolific runner and most successful has been Steve Moneghetti, who not only won the race four times but also finished second once, and  third seven times.

The women's event has also attracted the best female runners in Australia, including Megan Sloane, Carolyn Schuwalow, Gayelene Clews, Lisa Martin-Ondieki, Susan Hobson, Jenny Lund, Jackie Gallagher, Natalie Harvey, Kerryn McCann, Susie Power and Haley McGregor. International walker, Sally Pierson, has won the race twice, whilst Irish champion and new Australian Sonia O'Sullivan, won in 2000. New Zealanders Nyla Carroll, Kate McIlroy and Jessica Ruthe have also won the race. Natalie Harvey who now represents Great Britain, is the most prolific winner having won the race 3 times (1996-1998). The race record was set in 2001 by Susie Power (31.26.34).

Over the years, there have been some thrilling contests with world class times in both men's and women's races, and the challenge is always there for both our established and up and coming distance runners.  This year's feature men's and women's 10,000 metres race will also double as the Olympic selection trial, and will mark the opening of the new State Athletics Centre at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.