Aussie marathoner Liam Boudin mourning death of grandfather halfway through world championships race

Australian runner Liam Boudin is mourning the death of his grandfather halfway through his marathon at the world championships in Tokyo last month.

The 28-year-old made his long-awaited Australian team debut at the event just 10 weeks after he was in a moon boot and on crutches recovering from injury.

Stifling conditions got the better of many but Boudin pushed himself to a 2:24:39 result in what he said was “without doubt the most challenging race” of his life.

“While I would have loved to finish higher in the standings, I can truly say I gave it my all to make it to the start line,” Boudin wrote at the time.

Two weeks on, Boudin has shared the devastating news that he later learned his grandfather died during the race.

“When people speak of someone living a full life, there is no greater example than my grandad David,” he wrote.

“A true gentleman in every sense of the word, David was utterly devoted to his family and always wanted the best for others.

“Saying goodbye in Melbourne was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I wanted nothing more than to chat with him about my experience in Tokyo and share some of the sillier stories of my trip.

“It broke my heart to learn that David left this world halfway through my race. A part of me believes he willed me to the finish line that day. David, thank you for everything.”

Boudin has bounced back from a near two-year battle with osteitis pubis to begin showing his true potential.

He ran 2:10:28 at the Sevilla Marathon at the start of the year, wiping two minutes off his previous personal best to become the 16th fastest Australian marathoner in history.

He is also 10th in the 10km rankings after running 28:17 at a Tokyo event in May.

Boudin ran much of the world championships marathon alongside fellow Aussie and close friend Tim Vincent, who broke away with about 10km to go and finished in 2:20:12.

“Was lucky enough to run side by side with good mate Liam,” Vincent wrote.

“From sharing sponges and ice to looking out for each other as long as we could made for a marathon experience I’ll never forget.”

Australian record-holder Andy Buchanan was due to lead the charge alongside Boudin and Vincent but pulled out in the lead-up with a stress reaction in his femur.