The 1979 Victorian marathon championship was a minor race, but it had major outcomes. Thirty years ago this month (23 June, 1979), the championship was the debut marathon for Robert de Castella, who would go on to win a world championships marathon, two Commonwealth Games marathons, finish in the top 10 at three consecutive Olympics and win major victories in Rotterdam (twice) and Boston.The championship was held from Point Cook, a Royal Australian Air Force training base on the western shore of Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay. The U-shaped, out-and-back course meandered along beachfront, and passed between market gardens before rising over its one-and-only 'hill' _ an overpass on the Melbourne-Geelong highway _ before returning. It had been used for the 1976 Olympic and 1978 Commonwealth Games selection trials.
Nor was 'Deek' the only de Castella on the starting line. The 136 competitors included his father, Rolet, the race marking his return to distance running after a near-fatal heart attack. As 'Deek' recalled at the recent 2009 Melbourne marathon launch, he was not the focus of attention this day.
"Mum and the family were waiting at the finish line wondering whether Dad was going to make it in one piece or not."
For most of the race, nn-one else took much notice of 'Deek' either. Few were in the know that he had long-term ambitions in the marathon, and his running did nothing to belie that impression. He ran along with the leaders at a very comfortable pace...
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