IAU 24 Hour World Challenge
Young Deungpo–gu, Seoul, Korea
18 - 19 October 2008

Congratulations to Deanne Nobbs who represented Australia at the 24 Hour World Championships held in Seoul. Nobbs was Australia's only female representative, while the men's team was stronger with six athletes. The course was part track and road, with runners traversing a 920 metre loop that took in the track and surrounding roads

Nobbs finished in a creditable 19th place in the women's section and put in a very strong performance throughout. While there is some conjecture over whether the course constitutes a track or road event, should it be recognised as a track performance, Nobbs' 196.512 kilometres will be the fourth best ever by an Australian woman for a 24 hour track event

After taking part in several ultra events this year - including the North Face 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge which earnt Nobbs her Australian selection into the World Champs and second place at the Australian 100 km Road Championships - Nobbs will be particularly pleased with her strong finish to her World Championships

At the halfway point, Nobbs was in 25tth place with 108.968 kilometres racked up. Over the course of the next three hours, Nobbs picked up the pace and passed several runners. At the 15 hour mark Nobbs had moved into 18th spot with 130.208 kilometres and an hour later was in 17th place

At the next checkpoint, the 21 hour mark, Nobbs had slipped a place to 18th but had covered 174.534 kilometres and was keeping a very steady 7 min/km pace through this part of the race. This was a critical stage with Nobbs having to finish strongly after her conservative start.

Three hours to go and Nobbs had been passed by another runner and in 19th place, although with a very comfortable six kilometre break on the next runner. With 181.922 kilometres covered, Nobbs would in the next hour pass the distance she covered in the 24 hour treadmill challenge

It's the 23 hour mark and Nobbs must have got her second wind, as she recorded her fastest one hour split of this second half of the race to consolidate 19th spot. The pace must have told as Nobbs eased off a little through the last hour, but in one of the finest ultra running performances ever by an Australian female, Nobbs held onto her 19th place and finished barely 150 metres behind the 18th placed female

An analysis of Nobbs' hourly split times are telling with 9 min/km through the first half ot the race and then with every split available after that Nobbs improved each time so that by race finish she was just over 8 min/km

Congratulations Deanne from all your friends at the Coburg Harriers. You did yourself, your club and your country very proud