clearly a great run; but I don't think anyone should be too surprised when a 43 year old runs the equivalent of 3 or 4 minutes away from his best over a a distance which takes about an hour to complete................. or within 90 seconds of his best for 10K.
It was damn windy as well- probably the windiest day I have ever raced on in Melbourne (although he ran several hours later, in the evening). He could have gone further in better conditions.
On Mona's claim to be the best 43 year old in the world- what about that old dude from Israel who ran in the world champs marathon last year? Didn't he claim to be 50 or something?
Mona is someone who tries to share his joy of running with others.
I recall doing the Sydney Marathon in which Mona paced the 3hr group.It would have been nice to have run with him if I could keep up.
One year the organisers held an entry competition.The comp winner got Mona as a running partner.
From memory the woman who won the comp had Mona pace her at around 4:30.
This year he ran the Sydney to Surf hooked up to the T.v. broadcast and gave a running commentary(much like Bill Rodgers has done at Boston.) He stayed with the leaders for much of the race.
He is a true ambassador for our sport.