Athletics: Team tactics may help, says Costley

New Zealand Commonwealth Games marathon runner Phil Costley is prepared to sacrifice his own medal chances if it will help to put a black singlet on the podium in Manchester.

"The public just want to see a Kiwi up there. They don't care who it is," he said. "My aim is to make sure a black singlet is on the podium."

Costley, now based with the bulk of the New Zealand track and field team in Stockport, England, believes New Zealand should take advantage of the fact that they have a full team of three in the marathon on July 28, the third day of athletics competition.

"I have spoken to Jonathan Wyatt and he is keen on the idea of us working together. With Craig Kirkwood also in there, maybe we can team up.

"We can at least work together to avoid a lot of the pushing and shoving which goes on. When a lot of people come up to a drinks station together, we might be able to help one another there, too."

Costley believes that the three New Zealanders should run together for the first 25km or 30km, and then see who looks strongest and get behind that person.

"If it is me, then that is fine. I intend to get the best place I can."

The versatile Canterbury runner, who completed his preparation with a record-breaking win in the international Gold Coast 10km road race, believes he is in the best form of his career, although he admitted it was hard to tell.

"In the marathon, I won't know until I get to 30km. I am just working at staying relaxed and getting fresh."

He will not race again before the big day.

Costley expected the race to be more tactical than it was in Malaysia four years ago, but he expected the climate to suit the New Zealanders.

He liked the 15km course, which would be lapped twice by the runners before they started the journey back to the main stadium.

"There are a few rises in it, but they are well spread out, so we won't notice them too much. It won't be super-fast, but it should be fun."

The multiple national champion, who has never been beaten over the marathon distance in New Zealand, has a career-best time of 2h 13m, and might have to cut into this if he wants to be the one to finish on the podium.

He was expecting the usual close competition from the Kenyans and has respect for Australians Lee Troop and Shaun Crighton. Both have run the distance in 2h 11m.

"But they have to do it on the day," he said. "Marathons can be funny things."

- NZPA

Full coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/manchester2002

Commonwealth Games info and related links