Gold Coast Airport Marathon and Queensland representatives Mathew Skate and Sara Wood achieved fantastic results at the 20th annual Senshu International City Marathon in Osaka, Japan on Sunday (17 February 2013).

Mathew placed 16th overall and fourth in the uniquely Japanese non-registered category (for amateurs and international runners) in 2:36:26, narrowly missing out on a personal best.

While Sara sailed under the three hour mark to place fourth overall and second in the non-registered category in a personal best time of 2:55:17.

The Brisbane locals were selected to represent Queensland and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon after their performances at last year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

Despite falling short of a personal best in the cool Japanese conditions, Mathew, 39, said it was one of his finest marathon efforts so far. 

“Sunday had near-perfect conditions for running,” said Mathew.

“Although it was a lot colder than what we’re used to here in south-east Queensland, with the temperature reaching 8°C, we were grateful that the wind stayed away so we didn’t have to cope with the wind-chill factor as much.

“I would have to put this down as my most solid marathon to date.”

It was the second time Mathew represented his state and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon at the Senshu International City Marathon after competing in 2009 where he placed 20th overall and seventh in the non-registered category in a slower time of 2:42:42.

Mathew said his strong performance in Japan will give him the confidence to beat his personal best of 2:35:02 at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon this July.

“Although I was around 80 seconds off a personal best I finished extremely strong and even managed a sprint finish in the last kilometre to make up around 200 metres on a competitor in front of me,” said Mathew.

“With a time of 2:36:26 it certainly gives me a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement going into the Gold Coast Airport Marathon this year and I have no doubt that I will break 2:35 for 2013.”

Sara, 30, said she was thrilled with her run as she slashed five minutes off her personal best in cold and testing conditions.

“It was the coldest run I’ve ever done and it was certainly the toughest race I’ve ever experienced,” said Sara.

“There was an amazing atmosphere from the Japanese the entire 42 kilometres.

“It was a challenging course but very enjoyable.”

Sara said she was grateful for the opportunity to represent her state and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon where she plans to race again this July.

“I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity to run on behalf of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” said Sara.

“Words cannot describe this adventure I’ve been on.”

Staged annually on the first weekend of July, the 35th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon is set to attract more than 28,000 runners from all over Australia and the world.

It will feature an event for all ages and abilities, including the 42.195km Gold Coast Airport Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and Junior Dash 4km and 2km races.

Entries open Monday 18 March 2013.