Now racing for Glenhuntly, Cook completed the 42.2km duel in a time of 2:26.24 and was second fastest of the 25-29 years age group.

Cook’s feat capped many months of intense training leading up to an event that drew more than 30,000 competitors who finished their hit-out at the MCG.

The 25-year-old first raced with Bendigo Harriers and was among from Flack Advisory Bendigo Region clubs to compete in the marathon or half-marathon.

University’s Andy Buchanan raced to fourth place in the 21.1km half-marathon in a time of 1:05.45.

Another of University’s stars, Sarah Jalim cut her personal best by seven minutes to 2:56.17 and was 13th in the women’s marathon.

Highs from the marathon included Alice Wilkinson’s time of 3:17.25 to be 16th in the 30-34 years class.

Bendigo Harriers’ Ben Stolz was 78th in the marathon in a time of 2:48.49 and .19th in the 30-34 years category.

University’s Brian Watson, 2:55.41, ran strongly to be 145th overall and 13th in the 45-49 years division.

Alan and Jenny Buchanan added to an impressive tally of marathon starts.

A time of 3:24.37 earned Alan third place in the 60-64 years class.

In her latest duel, Jenny achieved a time of 3:44.18.

University's Nigel Preston completed the half marathon in a time of 1:16.51 to be 36th overall and eighth in the 30-34 years class.

Just weeks after racing the Berlin Marathon, Brady Threlfall from Bendigo Harriers ran the Melbourne half marathon in a time of 1:34.04. 

Best known for his feats on the footy field with the Bendigo Pioneers and Bendigo Diggers, Ryan O’Callaghan from Mildura raced the marathon. O’Callaghan completed the race in 4 hours 29 seconds.

The Medibank Melbourne Marathon program included a 10km run, 5.7km, and the wheelchair marathon.