TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | 2023 AUS MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Published Wed 13 Sep 2023

WA will be going for gold at the upcoming Australian Marathon Championships with eight athletes set to represent the state in Sydney.

Set to be held as part of the Sydney Marathon on September 17, WA will be led by former Ironman winner Kate Baker (Independent) and Dean Menzies (Masters WA), with the WA runners looking to make an impression in a packed field.

Baker has enjoyed a slew of wins in 2023 and will make her Athletics West debut in Sydney. Following a flashing finish at the 2022 WA Half Marathon Championships, Baker has gone on to win a considerable amount of the 2023 WA season including the HBF Run for a Reason Half Marathon, ASICS Bridges Fun Run 10km, 2023 Darlington Half Marathon and the win, as well as line honours, at 2023 Brooks Rottnest Running Festival Marathon.

"[I'm] excited to represent WA in the marathon.15-year-old me, who was desperate to make a State Cross Country team, would be absolutely thrilled that I finally get to wear the black and gold, and run at a National Championships," said Baker.

"I would love to achieve a new personal best over the distance, but the main goal is to embrace the race and the emotions that come with a marathon. Ride the highs, navigate and overcome the low points, and enjoy the incredible location we get to race at."

Baker will be joined by Kathryn Watt (Independent), Kristen Buist (Masters WA) and Nicole Moylan (Independent) to round out the Women's team.

The Men's team will be led by Masters runner Dean Menzies. Menzies is no stranger to the podium having collected the State Half Marathon title in 2022 as well as winning the Perth 32 run in 2023. Rounding out the WA Men's team will be Joel Crossing (Independent), Thomas Tedge (Independent) and Ryan Shand (Independent).

The first three eligible men and women to finish the Marathon will be presented with Australian Championship medals. Gold, silver and bronze medals will also be presented in the men’s and women’s teams competition, with the top three finishers in each team scoring points towards their state team result.