Zeleznikow completes 200th marathon

John Zeleznikow achieved a marathon milestone last Sunday, completing his 200th marathon-distance run at Princess Park in South Caulfield, just four months shy of his 72nd birthday.

In front of close friends and family, he raised his arms in triumph when crossing the finish line, which was decorated with balloons.

“It was terrific – even better than I’d expected,” Zeleznikow said.

“Normally when you run marathons, there is a bit of pressure on yourself, but this time it was much more relaxed because it was a celebration.

“I got my fastest time [under 3.5 hours] about 40 years ago, so I’m much slower now than I used to be, but the most important thing is just going ahead and doing it, and keeping healthy – that’s the message I want to encourage.”

Zeleznikow planned to do his 200th run almost two years ago to celebrate his 70th birthday, followed by an afternoon tea party, but lockdowns led to several postponements.

Finally last Sunday everything aligned, he completed the 42.185km distance by running just over 21 laps through Princess Park, the belated birthday party went ahead, and about 100 supporters dropped in throughout the day.

“About 50 people joined me for some laps, including Dr Jack Cherny, who is 89, and still usually runs 1.4km every day.”

Until he was 10, Zeleznikow could not run at all due to being affected by polio and then a hip disorder, but he developed a love for long distance running in adulthood.

He ran his first marathon in August 1971 and has since completed scores of marathons throughout Australasia – including 24 Melbourne Marathons – North America, Europe and Israel.

He still trains and runs competitively every week for Glenhuntly Athletics Club, and is planning to do his next marathon in a few months.

“Some of my friends said they are looking forward to my 300th marathon celebration … who knows, I still love it,” he said.