The 25-year-old was untroubled by the course that snakes over Mt Ainslie, Mt Majura and Goorooyarroo reserves to clock 2hr46min 19sec.

Wagga's Peter FitzPatrick was runner-up in 3:24.41 and ANU student Andrew Williams third in 3:39.56.

It was the second big run by Matthews this year after finishing third at the Australian Trail Running Championship in March.

Matthew's run was remarkable considering long-distance runners usually do not peak physically until they are in their 30s.

Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival organiser John Harding tipped Matthews as a future world champion.

''He's an immensely talented runner,'' Harding said. ''He was selected in the Australian team for the world long-distance championship but he couldn't accept because of his medical student commitments.

''He's certainly got the potential.''

Kate Hodson, of Ngunnawal, returned from injury in the best possible way by winning the women's race in 3:22.04. Canberra's Kelley Flood (3:42.00) and Elle Knight (3:54.15) finished second and third.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times