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Gardiner and Barker claim marathon Gold

Sat, May 14 2011

The 2011 Arafura Games half marathon took athletes through Darwin’s East Point Reserve this morning on a fresh, Top End, dry season day.

In one of the last events in the busy schedule of the week-long sporting event Jodie Barker, of Canberra, and Richard Gardiner, of Newcastle, NSW, crossed the finish line in first place.

“I’m stoked”, Gardiner said. “It’s my third Arafura Games – the first year I came second and the second year I placed fourth.

“I am really excited about gold.”

The 35-year-old said the conditions had been “excellent” and “really suited”.

“I did not expect to win. But I stayed with the fastest group and managed to break away. I’m very happy.”

Winning her third medal in the 2011 Games Jodie Barker said she was “thrilled” about her first gold.

“I won silver in the 5km on Tuesday and silver in the 10km run on Wednesday – to win gold makes me very happy.”

The 35-year-old said she was excited about beating Darwin’s Hannah Johnston in the 21.09km run.

“It’s been a bit of a tussle with her over the years,” she said.

“I’m glad I’ll be taking home gold.”

More information Arafura Games Media Centre (08) 8982 2333.