ALEX Van Ruiswyk charged to a memorable victory in Tuesday’s running of the Hilson Builders-backed Melbourne Cup (3200m) for athletes at the Flora Hill track.

In a record field of 26, Van Ruiswyk reigned supreme in the 10th edition.

For the first time a backmarker won the Cup spoils.

Van Ruiswyk started off a mark of 5:40 alongside the in-form Tarli Bird from Glenhuntly.

Van Ruiswyk – a first-time competitor in the Cup race – hit the front as the bell sounded for the final lap and charged away to win in a time of 10:35.21.

South Bendigo clubmates Aaron Norton and Logan Tickell ran on strongly to be second and third. Fastest female was Bird in 11:13.

“In this race I knew I had to work hard and go fast early,” Van Ruiswyk said of the Cup duel.

“The running has helped a lot with my footy (at Colbinabbin). It’s great competition, not just against other runners, but also trying to improve my race times.”

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