Belgrave’s Reece Edwards outkicked Aussie internationals Liam Adams and Ryan Gregson to take home the AUD 20k (£10,370) first prize at the Melbourne marathon.

Wearing his white Belgrave alt singlet, Reece was more than 2 minutes behind leader Adams at 35k, with Olympic finalist Gregson 22 seconds ahead in 2nd.

But a sharp injection of pace at 40k saw him storm into the MCG, stunning supporters and commentators who were expecting a Gregson win on his marathon debut. Reece’s expert wind-up saw him average 3:18/km from 25-30k, 3:16 from 30-35, 3:12 from 35-40 and then an unstoppable 3:06/km for the final 2.2k.

He was clapped across the line by fellow Aussie star Stewy McSweyn, who had just arrived back in Melbourne for the winter a week after turning out for Belgrave in the national 6-stage road relays.

The performance is all the more remarkable in light of Reece’s recent battles with stress fractures…

…and the fact that his wife, fellow Belgravian Michelle, is due to give birth in the coming days. We wish their family all the very best!