Scott Westcott remains the last Australian athlete to cross an Olympic finish line.
The Adamstown marathon runner completed the 42.2 kilometre race, traditionally last on the Games program, at Rio four years ago as the upcoming event in Tokyo hangs in the balance because of the global coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm the last [Aussie] track and field athlete to step off the competition track, carrying the baton as it were because there's been no other track and field since then," Westcott said at Thursday's launch of a virtual Fernleigh 15.
"I'm enjoying being fit as a 45-year-old tomorrow [Friday] and look back with delight and satisfaction that I achieved my dream.
"I'm also enjoying being a fan because there's a few guys in particular that have run really fast for Australia and were likely to get picked for Tokyo this year so hopefully they get the chance next year."
Westcott, who is now teaching at Hunter Sports High School and undergoing his PhD in education, will be entering a new-look Fernleigh 15 alongside his training group, which features Merewether's Rose Davies.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions the traditional one-day gathering has been replaced by a month-long format where participants run the 15km course between Adamstown and Belmont at any stage throughout November. Times will be recorded online via Strava. Teams of five can also enter.
"I'll bring the training group out and we'll have a great crack at it," he said.
Lifeline Hunter will be the charity partner for the 2020 event, which is still part of the Greater Bank Fun Run Series.
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