Steve Moneghetti is easily spotted running the streets of the Ballarat district, though his footsteps may be light, he can often be heard chatting comfortably to his running companions, or seen carrying an extra pair of shoes as he runs by. With more than 250,000km under his belt he is a household name in running in Ballarat and Australia. As a young child Steve was not really a star on the athletics track and it was not until he reached secondary school at St Patrick’s College, that Steve found a passion and talent for cross country and endurance running. In 1986, at the age of 23, Steve qualified to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in the 10,000m race and, while there, was given the opportunity to compete in the marathon. In that year Steve finished 5th in the 10,000m and picked up a bronze medal in his first ever marathon. Over the next 14 years Steve represented Australia in the men’s marathon at 4 Olympic Games and 3 further Commonwealth Games, picking up medals at each of the Commonwealth events, including a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games in Canada in 1994, and securing a top ten finish in three of his Olympic Games appearances. During his career he competed in a multitude of events in Australia and overseas, setting records and winning medals all over the World. He continues to hold the record for the Sydney City to Surf 14km event which he set in 1991 and for the Lake Wendouree Lap of the Lake which he set in 1992. In 2014 Steve was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for significant service to athletics as a marathon runner, administrator and mentor to young athletes. Now, though his competition days have passed, Steve still runs recreationally, covering nearly 100km per week, and is enjoying exploring more training and coaching opportunities
