Rayner on track for Paris redemption after Burnie 10 title defence

Jack Rayner’s quest for marathon glory at the last Olympics ended in injury heartbreak, but his quest to feature at Paris is right on track after defending his Burnie 10 title.

Jack Rayner (right) on his way to defending his Burnie 10 crown on Sunday. Picture: Simon Sturzaker Photography

Jack Rayner will look to erase the heartbreak of his injury-interrupted Olympic debut by targeting a long distance track berth in Paris after defending his Burnie 10 crown on Sunday.

The 27-year-old clocked 29:02 to beat fellow Victorian Andrew Waring by 27 seconds, having set the race record of 27.43 last year.

The national team record holders is looking to bounce back at next year’s Olympics after an interrupted preparation forced him to withdraw 10km into the marathon in Tokyo.

He is now focusing on the longer track events for the time being, and has won the national cross country title and the Melbourne half marathon in recent weeks.

But like a horse eyeing off the Melbourne Cup, Rayner hopes to be in peak shape for December’s national championships, before jetting off to the USA where he will look to post qualifying times for the 5km or 10km.

Rayner said his Olympic marathon disappointment could ultimately provide the base he needs to perform strongly on the track.

“It was almost a blessing in disguise. I did a lot of big training weeks, which I hadn’t done a lot of in the past,” he said.

“Once I did that for a couple of years and ran into some injuries, I had that strength behind me to take it to the next level when I targeted the shorter stuff.

“About six months after the Olympics I broke the 10k track record, it was motivation to try some other distances.

“I have ambitions of going back to it (marathons) once I tick off hopefully a good result at the Olympics.”

Jack Rayner runs through the victory tape at the Burnie 10 on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

Rayner said a head wind in the back end of the Burnie 10 made things difficult, but he’s confident he’ll be at his peak for the national titles in Melbourne.

“The time wasn’t too flash, the weather played a part there and knowing I wasn’t quite in the shape I was last year,” he said.

“The main thing was to come away with the win. I’ve been ticking off a few wins the last few weeks, and am keen to get into some good fitness for the national champs.

“You’ve got to pick your times to be at your peak fitness, now isn’t the time to be in tip top shape.

“I’ll be heading to the States for a race or two, most likely a 5km and 10km. Australia isn’t really to place to run super quick times on the track at that time of year because of the weather.”

In the women’s event, fellow Victorian Sinead Diver finally saluted after twice coming second in the race previously.

The Australian marathon record holder for the over-40 division clocked 32:48, beating home South Australian Caitlin Adams.

The 5km race was won by Forth runner Tom Winkel (15:35).

Originally published as Rayner on track for Paris redemption after Burnie 10 title defence