Adam Gilchrist runs marathon with wife Melinda

FORMER Australian Test batsman Adam Gilchrist hits fears for six and completes the Gold Coast marathon.

FORMER Australian Test batsman Adam Gilchrist ran hundreds of kilometres during his 17-year international cricketing career but always wondered if he had the staying power to cover 42km in one stretch.

Yesterday Gilly hit that fear for six, finishing the Gold Coast marathon.

FULL COVERAGE: GOLD COAST MARATHON

The 43-year-old scored 15,416 runs in his international career and despite his pace over the 22-yard (20.1m) pitch, yesterday his wife Melinda was quicker over the 42km. Gilly crossed the line after 3 hours, 44 minutes and 34 seconds – a full seven minutes behind Melinda who ran the course in a time of 3:37.36.

The pair had trained together – although Gilly admitted finding the time had been the most difficult part – but yesterday their pre-race promise to stay by each other’s side went by the wayside when Melinda pulled ahead.

Their children, Archie, 8, Annie, 10, and Harry, 13, who competed in the children’s event on Saturday, watched on with little brother Ted, 3, as their parents took to the course yesterday.

“The biggest juggle has been with four kids trying to train together in their hectic schedule, so there’s been some babysitting required and a few expenses there,” Gilly said.

“The long ones we’ve done on Mondays when the kids have gone to school and Ted’s at home – we get a babysitter and go and knock those over.” The prolific limited overs opening batsman and Test wicketkeeper said he shied away from intense running throughout his cricket career to avoid injury to his knees.

FULL AND HALF MARATHON

But the Perth-based father-of-four said running had now become a good pastime for them since he retired from cricket.

“I don’t mind running but I’ve never taken on anything to this extreme,” he said.

“I didn’t run much while I was playing cricket to preserve my knees but now, particularly travelling a lot, I like to get out and go for a run.”