Leanne Pompeani, a 29-year-old runner from Canberra, has made the pivotal choice to forgo representing Australia at the upcoming world championships in favour of competing in the inaugural Sydney Marathon. This decision, while challenging, stems from her desire to seize the unique opportunity presented by Sydney’s first major marathon.
Pompeani recently turned heads with a remarkable debut, clocking in at 2:24:53 at the Nagoya Marathon, the fastest marathon for an Australian woman on her first attempt. This performance secured her a spot on the Australian team for the world championships in Tokyo, scheduled for mid-September.
However, in June, she opted to focus on Sydney instead, despite the reservations of many about her decision. Speaking to Wide World of Sports, she expressed that her choice was influenced by a trifecta of reasons— the prestige of the Sydney Marathon becoming a major event, a financial incentive for top Australian finishers, and the markedly cooler temperatures expected in Sydney compared to the oppressive heat forecasted for Tokyo.
The Sydney Marathon, now classified as a world major, is set to take place on August 31, drawing close to 35,000 participants. In a noteworthy lineup, it will feature elite competitors like Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan, the Dutch Olympic gold medalist. The total prize pool for Australian elites stands at a record $135,000, with significant rewards for the top finishers.
Although she faces disappointment from missing the world championships, Pompeani remains excited about the Sydney event, believing it represents a significant milestone in her career. Her past experience with the Australian team includes two appearances in cross-country events, the latest of which was marred by health issues during a race in extreme heat.
Pompeani’s immediate focus is the Harbour 10, a 10-kilometre race in Circular Quay, which serves as a preparation for the upcoming marathon where she will compete against notable Australian athletes such as Jessica Stenson and Lisa Weightman. She aims to secure a top position and emphasizes the importance of pacing herself throughout the race to avoid burnout.
Ultimately, Pompeani acknowledges the unusual feeling of declining an Australian team opportunity, yet she hopes to qualify for future championship teams. As she prepares for the Sydney Marathon, she is running between 180-200 kilometres weekly and is gearing up for an impressive performance, fueled by the excitement of competing in a hometown marathon.