Aylish Frusher channels parents support to conquer final leg of first marathon

Aylish Frusher's father, Paul, joined the final five kilometres of the 23-year-old's maiden marathon on Saturday and his words of encouragement helped her over the line.

Her mother, Julianne, cycled alongside for support.

Frusher tackled a challenging 42.195-kilometre course, starting in Port Fairy and winding her way along the rail trail before finishing at Jetty Flat in Warrnambool.

She battled muggy conditions and tough winds to complete the feat and credited her parents' role in the triumph.

"Dad hopped on for that last bit and apparently I was pretty delirious at this stage, so I don't remember a lot, but having him there (was great)," she said.

"He just had this saturated towel and he just kept giving it to me to cool me off. He kept saying 'come on Aylish, you're almost there, you haven't come this far to stop now'.

"He provided me with those words of encouragement I needed to finish it off which was really good."

Frusher said she'd focus on recovery and hoped to tackle another marathon in due course with her schedule permitting.

"I feel like I'm mentally and physically stronger than I ever thought possible," she said. "I think it's true when people saying running a marathon will help you in other stages of your life when you're faced with a challenge.

"I got through one of the hardest things I've ever done, I can get through this."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.