Eden wins Dirty Duathlon, eyes Run Melbourne

AFTER success in the Dirty Duathlon, Christian College Geelong Grade 9 student Eden McFarlane has her sights set on the Run Melbourne 10km course later this month.

The 14-year-old was the first female across the line in the recent Dirty Duathlon short course at the annual You Yangs Off Road Duathlon and Trail Runs event.

It consisted of a 3km run, 14km mountain bike ride and then a second 3km run.

Eden’s time of 1:19:53 hours not only saw her take first place in her 15–18 age category, she was also the first female over the line, and 18th overall.

The Drysdale under-15 netballer was the first female by more than a minute.

The feat was made more significant by the fact she is new to mountain biking and has only been on a few rides with her family.

Eden, who lives in Clifton Springs, said she decided to enter Run Melbourne for the first time because she needed a new goal to work towards.

“I’ve never done anything like that with so many people.”

The teenager explained she started entering running events this year after doing well in school cross-countries and being inspired by a teacher who takes part in events such as the Dirty Duathlon.

Eden completed the 10km Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run in February, where she was thrilled to meet Tour de France winner and local identity Cadel Evans.

She then did the 10km River Run in March in Belmont.