Characters of the Marathon

With over 300 athletes toeing the starting line, a crowd ensues. But, someone like Jason Martin earns the right to be at the very front row, and probably rather being daunted by the whole distance before him, will be thinking of economising the time spent at every single kilometre of the forty-two before him. With six marathons to his name, the Mellieha AC runner is returning to this year’s Malta Marathon starting line as naturally as a bird returns to his nest when the sun sets down.


Jason, when was your first marathon? Looking back, since the first ones how different do you treat your preparation?
That was back in 1999 in Rotterdam, Holland. I can say that today my preparation is quite different especially training methods which have a more professional approach. My weight is also lower which means I am more conscious as regards my nutrition.

What is your personal best in a marathon?

My personal best is 2 hours 33 minutes. That was in 2009, where I finished second overall and placed as the first Maltese.

Which particular marathon is your favourite and is still etched in your mind? Why?
Berlin is a fast course , don’t mind doing it again.

You are going through a very good season, and you’re the undisputable leader of the MAAA Road Race League. To whom and to what do you attribute most of this good form?
Mostly to my coach Mr Has Kesra, and obviously to all the commitment, sacrifices and self-discipline. These are after all standard issues if you want to succeed in this sport.

The MAAA Road Race League apart, do you still see the marathon as the ultimate challenge for the local athlete?
Regarding the distance surely it’s the ultimate challenge, but as regards satisfaction track running is very rewarding especially winning or doing well in the national championships.

You have been running now for a number of years. Considering the low profile the Maltese athletics enjoys, what make you still put in the miles week after week and toe the starting line for most races, be it a marathon or a 5k?
Most of all satisfaction. I like endurance sports and no other sport satisfies me as much as running. It is a fact that you have to suffer and endure so much and challenge yourself to overcome it all. But when it’s all over, and you know you’ve overcame it all, the satisfaction with yourself is priceless.

Being at the starting line of a marathon, with 42 kilometres and a bit before you, you must use some sort of psychological faculty to help you. How much do you think psychology plays a part over physical fitness itself?
A lot for me it’s a 50-50 combination. You have to be very strong mentally. Frequently marathons are won by those most mentally strong.

Talking from past experience, which kilometres are usually the hardest, and you have to dig in as deep as possible?
The last 15 kilometres are the hardest.

For a marathon you have to balance speed and endurance. In your case, is it speed or endurance training that you feel ask most of your body and mind?
40% speed 60% endurance or somewhere round that equation.

Finally, any people you would like to thank for their support?
Mostly my fiancée, my coach, my club Mellieha AC and all my friends both those that run or don’t.