The Launceston 29-year-old was set for a crack in the boat at Rio but when it all turned awry, weeks later he’s been found crossing the line first in the Ross Marathon. 

Not just his first Ross, but his first marathon ever.

“I did an ironman in June, but that had a 4km swim and 180km ride before it,” he said.

He finished nearly four minutes ahead of nearest rival David Bailey in 2:55:32.

Foot feared a busy week working for mum and dad’s business in Ben Lomond would hurt preparation.

Not to mention the regular commutes to Hobart that would restrict his training. 

“Now I have always been meaning to get out there and do it, but it’s always been a way for rowing normally at this time of the year,” he said.

“I had a day off work, so I thought I’d give it a crack.”

Hobart’s Meriem Daoui provided a shock of the day. 

Less the win, but her debut 3:02:35 time. The 17-year-old shaved nearly 2½ minutes off the course record while 43:10 in front of Ieke Hendriks.

The Elizabeth College student only started running in 2012. “This is my longest distance I've ever ran – I can really feel it now,” she said.

“It was really windy; 80 per cent of the time it’s just the head wind, but it doesn’t matter – it was worth it.

“I was really happy with that; it just makes me wonder what else I can achieve.”