Great Barrier Reef Marathon

HE'S raced at Commonwealth Games, Olympics and world championships, but only now can Steve Moneghetti say he's won his own marathon.

Moneghetti is the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival ambassador and last year claimed the 42.2km showpiece event named in his honour at Port Douglas.

The 51-year-old streeted his nearest rival by more than 15 minutes to win in 3hrs 16mins 24sec.

While he started the favourite, Moneghetti said he didn't feel any pressure to break the tape first.

Running fest

COOL RUNNINGS: Participants get wet in the Port Douglas Running Festival. Picture: Regi Varghese.

"Believe it or not, I don't go in with the intention to win these races," he said.

"I just go out to have a good day, respect the distance and enjoy the company.

"But once I got within about 3km of the finish, I could sense I was going to win.

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COOL RUNNINGS: A group cheering their mates in the Port Douglas Running Festival. Picture: Regi Varghese.

"It was a nice feeling."

Rain and an ocean breeze kept the temperature down yesterday, but the demanding course meant competitors never felt comfortable.

The marathon featured beach and rainforest sections, with the steep climbs of the Bump Track making the biggest impression on Moneghetti.

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COOL RUNNINGS: 10km winner Tim McGrath in the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival in Port Douglas. Picture: Regi Varghese.

"That was really hard that part," he said.

"Not many marathons have a track like that going up.

"But at least you can try to enjoy it on the way down."

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COOL RUNNINGS: 10km second placegetter Leonardo Beghini in the Port Douglas Running Festival. Picture: Regi Varghese.

Earlier in the day, Cairns' Phil Bradshaw won the half marathon in 1:18:56.

After struggling with a foot injury at the end of last year, Bradshaw said it was a relief to run pain-free.

"I've been injury-free for five or six months, so I'm starting to feel better," he said.

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COOL RUNNINGS: 10km winner Jane Collison in the Port Douglas Running Festival. Picture: Regi Varghese.

In other results, Marc Toubin (7:08:35) won the 74km ultra marathon, Tim McGrath (42:11) took out the 10km race, while Steven Francis (17:50) claimed the 5km event.

Run to Paradise 74km Ultra Marathon

Men's: Marc Toubin (7:08:35), David Stevenson (8:12:09), Connor O'Sullivan (8:18:49).

Women's: Lisa Lodwick (8:51:07), Jacky Cooke (9:23:35), Jodie Keirle (9:23:35).

Steve Moneghetti Marathon

Men's: Steve Moneghetti (3:16:24), Scott Baxter (3:31:29), Damien Coad (3:46:15).

Women's: Sarah Winter (3:54:53), Carmel Bakurski (4:03:27), Kryssi Marriott (4:24:00).

Sheraton Mirage Resort Half Marathon

Men's: Phil Bradshaw (1:18:56), James Hilton (1:23:53), Nick Carling (1:24:36).

Women's: Tracey Jefferies (1:43:39), Belinda Turner (1:49:11), Anni Tedrema (1:50:19).

Newsport Daily 10km

Men's: Tim McGrath (42:11), Leonardo Beghini (46:05), Nathan Sayed (47:19).

Women's: Jane Collisson (54:41), Allyssa Callow (55:11), Jodie Henley (55:36).

Redkite Fundy 500

Men's: Steven Francis (17:50), Josiah Davidson (18:36), Gordon Milne (18:55).

Women's: Leah Davis (21:44), Fiona Dix (21:51), Kelly Savill (25:11).

This years event will run on Sunday the 9th of November 2014.