Former Southern Saints footballer, and now 2021 Orroroo Football Club Premiership player Tom Moten – now back at Pekina – completed one of the most famous marathons in the world, the prestigious New York Marathon, on November 5.
For a first marathon Moten ran a simply outstanding time of three hours, one minute and 13 seconds and top of that, he raised upwards of $17,850 for the Black Dog Institute. Moten set himself the mental and physical challenge of training for a marathon and travelled halfway around the world to conquer the 42 kilometers through New York City. ” I pulled up well, just really sore quads but no injuries thankfully” he said. ” that was my first marathon, I was a bit ambitious aiming for a time of two hours and 55 minutes. ” it wasn’t quite my day and finished six minutes off. ” I was track for 2.55.00 all race until the last five kilometers when I ran out of oxygen and hit the wall” he said. ” it was frustrating way to finish because I slipped from the sub three hour time by one minute.
” Going up the stairs is okay but getting down is another story- slow and painful! But to get around New York, you’ve got no other choice to go up and down the subways. ” I was among 10 Australian running for team Black Dog. We have all committed to raise money and awareness for Black Dog Institute which does an incredible amount of work for Mental Health in Australia.
“Also, competing against runners from all over the globe was a huge highlight ” The New York Marathon has been run every year since 1970, with the exception of 2021. It starts on Staten Island and the course weaves through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan and finishes in Central Park.
Moten said the support he had received was overwhelming and the satisfaction of finishing was one of the best experiences in his sporting life.
By connecting with Tom on Facebook, you can still donate to this important and worthwhile cause.
Written by Peter Argent
