At the age of 17, New Zealand born distance runners Zane Robertson, together with his twin brother Jake rejected US athletics scholarships moved to Kenya to immerse themselves into the running culture there.

Making His Marathon Debut at the Gold Coast

The now 29-year-old, who is currently the New Zealand national record holder in the 10,000m as well as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games 5,000m bronze medallist, has now chosen to make his marathon debut at the 2019 Gold Coast Marathon come July.

The Gold Coast Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Certified Road Race and the pinnacle of road running events in Australia. For over 40 years, the race has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

Spent Over a Decade in Kenya

Today, both Zane and Jake have spent over a decade in Kenya, learning what makes the best runners tick and while the jury is out on whether it is nature or nurture, Zane is confident that the lessons that he has gleaned both on and off the track, will set him up for a good Marathon time.

Delayed Debut

This is a delayed debut for him though; Zane’s original marathon debut was actually supposed to have been at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games last year but a groin injury kept him out of the race.

Said Zane, “Missing out last year when I was in crazy shape was devastating. I watched the race from Kenya and could not stop thinking about how I could have won. By coming to the Gold Coast, I hope to replace that loss of mine.”

The Mind Is Powerful

Zane’s Half Marathon personal best is 59 Minutes and 47 Seconds and he will not let last year’s disappointment faze him.

Said Zane, “The mind is a powerful thing in long distance races. If you do not believe in yourself, you’ve already lost. For me, I always feel confident. If I don’t, I won’t race.”

Stiff Competition, But Zane Remains Unfazed

Zane will toe the line against 2013 champion and 2018 Boston Marathon winner, Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi and three-time Gold Coast Marathon champion and race record holder, Kenneth Mungara.

Said Zane, “I always target the win. I want to run as fast as the pacemakers allow and once they step off the road, anything can be possible. Perhaps a new Oceania record.”

Jake, on the other hand, has recently placed third at last year’s Lake Biwa Marathon in Japan in a time of 2 Hours 8 Minutes 26 Seconds, which is faster than Kenya’s Mungara’s Gold Coast time of 2 Hours 8 Minutes 42 Seconds.

The Challenge Is On

But despite having seemingly thrown down the gauntlet, Zane assured that he and his brother have moved past sibling rivalry.

He said, “We have realised that this world is so much bigger than that and the challenge is not with each other, but against ourselves to be better athletes than we were yesterday.”

Nonetheless though, Zane and Jake will be the ones to watch come July 6 and 7, when the Gold Coast Marathon will be taking place this year.