Tom Kelly Athletics Track, Doncaster | 30 November 2025
FAST Running’s very own John Lamb has added another remarkable chapter to his masters athletics career, taking out the prestigious 2025 Landy Trophy — one of the most iconic and gruelling events on the Victorian Masters Athletics calendar.
Named in honour of Australian athletics legend John Landy, the event challenges even the most seasoned competitors across three demanding races — a 200 m sprint, a 1000 m middle-distance run, and a 400 m finale — all on an age-based handicap system that rewards consistency, endurance, and pure racing grit.
A test of speed, endurance, and resilience
The Landy format is renowned for pushing athletes to their limits. With little more than 40 minutes between each event, recovery and pacing are as crucial as raw speed.
John summed it up perfectly after the race:
“Nearly cramped before the line and was a little disappointed in the time, but stood up to the three races better than anyone else.”
Despite the fatigue that comes with racing three rounds in rapid succession, John delivered when it counted — showing the tactical poise and racecraft that have defined his decades in the sport. His performance across all distances placed him ahead of the field, securing his place in history as the 16th Landy Trophy Champion.
Age, experience, and a lane to remember
This year’s event saw the handicap system applied purely on age, with no adjustments for performance. That meant every athlete knew exactly where they stood.
As John joked afterward:
“The handicap looks generous because I was out in lane 7 with only 10 metres on the bloke in lane 1 who was about five years younger.” 😎
But anyone who’s raced The Landy knows — lane draws and handicaps may shape the start, but it’s determination that decides the finish. John’s disciplined preparation, race rhythm, and mental resilience saw him handle the challenge better than anyone else on the day.
An event like no other
Now in its 16th edition, The Landy Trophy continues to honour the spirit of John Landy — combining speed, stamina, and sportsmanship in one unforgettable day of Masters athletics.
From the pounding energy of the 200 m opener, to the tactical chaos of the 1000 m, and the dramatic closing lap of the 400 m final, The Landy is both a tribute to the sport’s greats and a celebration of the enduring drive to compete.
This year’s event also introduced new awards, music, and a community festival atmosphere — yet it was experience and composure that ultimately triumphed.
A well-earned victory
John’s win marks another proud milestone for FAST Running, whose athletes continue to represent both the ACT and their local clubs across Australia with the same blend of preparation and passion.
He joins a select list of Landy champions stretching back over a decade, and — under new rules — will hold the honour for life, as the event now permits each athlete to win only once.
For John, that’s more than enough.
“It’s one of those races that stays with you — a real test of what you’ve got left when the legs don’t want to play. But that’s what makes it special.”
Congratulations, John — a worthy winner of The Landy Trophy 2025, and a shining example of Running Excellence at every age.
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