Peta Mullens claims 15th national championship title

Peta Mullens has added another chapter to her remarkable career, claiming her second straight national championship in as many weeks with victory at the 2025 Marathon Nationals in Melrose, South Australia.

Just seven days after winning the cyclo-cross crown in Ballarat, the Bendigo rider stood on top of the elite women’s podium again, this time after conquering one of the most demanding marathon courses in the country.

The win marked the 15th national title of her career and fourth marathon crown.

Peta Mullens claimed her fourth marathon title.

Former champion Holly Harris ensured Mullens had to work for it.

Harris surged clear on the first major climb on the Epic Trail, opening a gap of aroundabout 30 seconds, before Mullens clawed her way back into contention.

“Holly was putting the pressure on that first lap and I just couldn’t go that hard,” Mullens admitted. said.

“I knew I had to pace myself.”

Holly Harris put up a huge fight to claim silver.

The battle raged through the technical back section of the course, where momentum proved crucial.

Mullens, knew she had the rhythm on tough terrain and eventually forced her way to the front around the two-hour mark and never looked back.

“I got a bit of whiplash turning behind, but I didn’t see her again,” she said.

“It was a brutal second lap.”

Mullens described the 83km route as one of the toughest she has faced.

“I actually think this might be the most technical mountain bike course I have ever done, so this national title feels really good. I really wanted to win this one,” she said.

The victory was made even sweeter after a disrupted preparation.

“I broke my collarbone just over three months ago and wasn’t sure how I’d go, so I’m happy to take number 15,” Mullens said.

Elite women's podium.

Behind her, Harris held strong for silver, while Sarah Tucknott produced a gutsy solo ride to secure the bronze medal.

In the age categories, Alanna Van de Hoef claimed the Under-23 women’s title, while Alana Fletcher added to her cyclo-cross gold from the previous weekend by winning the Under-19 crown.

Results – Elite Women XCM

🥇 Peta Mullens – 5:05.39
🥈 Holly Harris – 5:21.57
🥉 Sarah Tucknott – 5:29.51

Results – U23 Women XCM

🥇Alanna Van de Hoef – 6:16.04

Results – U19 Women XCM
🥇 Alana Fletcher – 3:08.57

Picture: AusCycling