ATHLETICS: Jess Trengove (SA) has finished a stunning 11th in the women’s marathon in Moscow (RUS) to become the toast of Australian distance running.

Bettering the 15th place of late champion Kerryn McCann from 1995, Trengove’s performance in only her third race at the marathon distance is the best ever result by an Australian female at the IAAF World Championships.

Thirtieth placed at the 15km mark with a split of 54:12, Trengove made her move toward the top-order as she moved through 20km in 28th (1:12:58), 25km in 23rd (1:31:44) and 30km in 19th (1:50:44).

Continuing to advance,she came through 40km in 11th place, entering the stadium well clear of 12th to cross with a broad smile in a time of 2:37:11.

“My aim was to not get passed in the second half and make a run for home, and that’s what I did. There was a lot of support out on the course from the Aussies, which was so motivating given the very tough conditions. I am going back to Australia really happy, and really excited for what the future could bring,” Trengove said.

“I didn’t know what to expect out there. I had to run smart given the heat, and I think I executed the race plan that my coach and I made very well. It was really controlled. I got a lot of water in across the journey, more than I would have thought, and that definitely helped me a lot. The medical staff and doctor have been fantastic too, they made the run so much easier.

Unaware of how her performance ranked in comparison to her predecessors, Trengove was thrilled by the bonus element of her result.

“I didn’t realise it was the best performance ever by an Australia – wow that is so amazing. I didn’t know Kerryn but she has always been an idol of mine so that’s super,” an astounded Trengove said.

The next-best-placed Australian was Lauren Shelley (WA) in 40th (2:55:40), with Nikki Chapple (Vic) crossing 45th (3:05:49) and Jane Fardell (NSW) not finishing.

Competing in the men’s 10,000m, Collis Birmingham (Vic) finished 24th behind Mo Farah (GBR, first, 27:21.71, SB), who backed-up his Olympic title with the world crown. Sticking with the large lead pack of almost thirty athletes for just shy of 5000m, Birmingham was unable to hold on and eventually crossed in a time of 28:44.82.

Rounding out the Australians in action on Day 1 at the IAAF World Championships was Australian Flame debutant Caitlin Sargent (Qld), who placed seventh in her heat of the women’s 400m and will not progress to the next round.

Clocking 52.63, Sargent was disappointed with the time but motivated to head home and continue to work hard as she pushes to qualify for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“I haven’t done what I came here to do. I wanted to run a PB and that would have seen me through to the next round so it is very disappointing on that front,” Sargent said.

“That being said, it is always an honour to pull on an Australian uniform and it was great to be out there. I’ve always said that Glasgow was my goal and I feel that despite today I am still on track for that. I have improved my PB by more than a second this year, and think I can continue to improve and challenge for a final at the Commonwealth Games. That’s my aim for sure.”

Athletics Australia