Launceston's Largest Mass Participation Event This Sunday

The 15^th edition of the McGrath Launceston Running Festival is on this Sunday 12^th June with more than 200 eager athletes coming from interstate for the ‘Laun Weekend’.

A new stadium won’t be required, just closed roads as up to 1500 runners and walkers take part across 4 events;

• Think Big Half Marathon – 8:05am Start (first finisher 9:06am)
• Launceston 10km – 10:30am Start (first finisher 10:58am)
• Zzim Conveyancing 5km – 8:00am Start (first finisher 8:15am)
• Liv-eat Mile – 10:35am Start (first finisher 10:40am)

Genuine attempts will be made to run the fastest half marathon on Australian soil in both the men’s (61:11) and women’s (68:48) Think Big Half Marathon.  Australian ½ marathon record holder Brett Robinson ran 61:38 on then course in 2020, but with the hill at the Newnham end of the course now removed thanks to a minor change at the start line and favourable weather for fast times ahead, the ingredients for fast times are there.  Robinson will have to contend with dual Olympian Liam Adams and training partner Joel Tobin-White.

10^th in the Olympic Marathon last year, Sinead Diver returns to the roads of Launceston.  Already the holder of the 10km course record (31:58) Diver will use the Think Big Half Marathon as a final hit-out before she dons the green and gold at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.  Diver will have to contend with course record holder and Launceston local running queen Milly Clark. View the full half marathon preview here.

Amongst the more than 300 runners in the Think Big Half Marathon will also be Jade Child, who will be difficult to miss as he pushes a wheelbarrow in the aim of raising money for charity Loaves and Fishes.

In the traditional Launceston 10k, the women’s field is shaping up to be a highlight once again.  Eloise Wellings enters with the fastest PB with her 31:14 from the Olympic Final in Rio, but she will face strong competition from in-form athletes Leanne Pompeani and Natalie Rule.  A regular on the roads in Tasmania, dual Olympian Jess Stenson also returns seeking another podium finish.

Locals should feature highly in the men’s race, with James Hansen and Sam Clifford entering in strong form.  They will have to take down some big names including Rio Olympian Sam McEntee who has the quickest PB in the field of 28:17, along with Kieren Tall (28:55) and Kieren Perkins (28:57).  View the full 10km preview here.

The McGrath Launceston Running Festival will also host the Tasmanian Road Running Championships.  The Championships to be contested – each for men and women are

Half Marathon – Open/40+/50+

10km – U20

5km – U14/U16/U18

1 Mile – U12

Finally, there is a fancy dress competition, with a $500 voucher to Brooks Running for the best dressed up participant.

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