The M7 marathon was on my marathon to do list in Australia. Why? It is the only marathon that runs adjacent to a high speed motorway for the whole marathon. The marathon route runs along the shared cycleway that follows a section of the M7 motorway in western Sydney. It is not an exciting route. It is quiet and there is minimal fan support but for a runner this is a challenging course. It is not flat and the terrain is undulating for most of the route. Plus together with the cold and wind, you have an added challenge. I don't like the cold and running in cold conditions especially along this route where there is nothing else to focus on is tough. There were probably about less than 150 runners in the marathon which could be a good thing if you do not like crowded races.

The race is well organised with a number of other distance events on the same day ranging from the 4k, 10k and 1/2 marathon. The other events were well supported by the running community. In the marathon, the Sydney Striders provided the pacing for 3:30 pace groups on wards. Aid stations were well spaced along the course but due to the other races following the similar route to the marathon, some of the aid station ran out of cups and marathon runners had to use various means to scoop water from the tubs. It was not a huge drawback but perhaps something the organisers could improve on next year. At least they didn't run out of water!

I completed the Gold Coast Marathon three weeks prior and I was not expecting to run hard or aim for a specific time. But the competitor in me decided to aim for at least 3:40. I was pacing with a mate who is much fitter than me and we were running at 4:50 pace. I knew that was fast for me especially since I ran my fastest marathon (3:27) at the Gold Coast marathon. But I felt good and decided to keep at it as long as possible. Fatigue set in after 34k but still managed to keep to pace close to 5min pace and finished in 3:31 which was brilliant. Any marathon finish time under 3:45 is a plus and any time close to 3:30 is amazing. I was totally drained after this race but definitely loved running this event. It was challenging both mentally and physically. Another marathon ticked off the list.
Overall, I would not recommend this race for first time marathon runners. When the pain hits you need to support of spectators to spur you on and with the lack of race support a first timer might find it tough once the pain and fatigue hits. For seasoned runner, I will definitely recommend this race as it is challenging. Marathon runners are a different breed and the challenge isn't just about the distance, it also includes the various elements of the route that push them past their limits.