Course records were blown away on a historic day of racing at the McGrath Launceston Running Festival.
The biggest fun run ever held in the city saw new benchmarks set in both Peppers Silo Half Marathon events as men's winner Teruki Shimada came within one second of an Australian all-comers' record dating back more than three decades.
Competing in his first ever overseas race, the 21-year-old claimed his maiden victory by leading home a top-quality field in the Peppers Silo Half Marathon.
Shimada's time of 61:12 smashed Brett Robinson's 2020 course record of 61:38 and just missed Queenslander Pat Carroll's Australian all-comers' record of 61:11 set in Sydney in 1993. The day producing the second and third fastest times ever on Australian soil.
"It's the first race I've ever won," announced Shimada who hails from Mie Prefecture on Honshu and has a personal best of 60:56.
Speaking through an interpreter, he added:
"This is my first race outside Japan so I was pretty nervous about it but very honoured to get invited. So I just wanted to show up and give a good performance and it really means a lot to deliver that.
"I tried to hold back and save a bit for the last few k's and that worked out pretty well for me.
"I knew that the guys up front were really fast and I just tried to enjoy racing against them.
"Getting to run overseas for the first time and to win a high-level race like this means a lot and gives me a lot of confidence and I really hope that's going to help me perform really well in the upcoming (Japanese road racing) season."
Two-time 10km champion Isaac Heyne, of South Australia, finished just a second behind Shimada in 61:13 with three-time winner and Australian record-holder Robinson, of Victoria, third (61:20).
An astounding 14 men broke the 65minute barrier.
South Australia's reigning Commonwealth Games marathon champion Jess Stenson won the women's race in 69:51, smashing Sinead Diver's course record of 71:04 set in 2022 to add a $1000 bonus to her $8000 winner's cheque.
"It means a lot to win this. I'm very excited," said the 37-year-old.
"I'm really pleased with that result - it wasn't quite a PB but it felt like it.
"Since about 2012 I've been coming here to race. It's just got a special feel about it and the community really supports it. It's such an elite race."
Stenson broke away solo to lead home Yumi Yoshikawa (70:43) and Caitlin Adams (71:14) and add to her win in the event's 10km in 2022.
"I feel like I paced that really well because I felt really strong in the final few k's. I had no idea I was running a course record so that's awesome.
"Normally I don't like running by myself but I felt quite peaceful out there. It worked quite well for me to be running free."
Home-town pair Sam Clifford (62:00) and Milly Clark (73:44) were the first Tasmanians home, finishing seventh and fifth in their respective genders.
Newly-crowned Australian 10km record-holder Clifford added the Tasmanian half marathon record which stood at 62:39.
"I got a stitch at about 15k but still happy to come away with a state record," said the Sydney-based 23-year-old.
"It makes it exciting for the community to see us guys running so fast on the streets of Launceston. I know it's had a rich history in the 10k so to be able to do this in the half (marathon) is a fantastic opportunity for the city.
"This was good to see where I was at fitness-wise but 10km for me is where it's at. Half is a good challenge for me."
Rio Olympic marathoner Clark added to her overall victory from 2021.
"I'm really happy with that, it's the fastest I've run in a long time," said the 36-year-old teacher who was roared home by her Scotch Oakburn school students.
"Having all the support of my schoolkids was really lovely. It means more than I have words for. It's been great to see them get behind this event. I hope they love it and keep coming back.
"I remember when this half-marathon started a few years ago and on the course you just didn't see anyone and now it's huge. It's great to see how big it's got."
As the only World Athletics Elite Label road race in the Southern Hemisphere, the race attracted what organisers believe was the deepest half-marathon field ever assembled on Australian soil, all chasing a $50,000 prize pool.
Two-time Olympian Stewart McSweyn provided a fairytale victory in the Tamar Chiro 10km, almost exactly 30 years to the moment after he was born across town.
"It's been a good birthday so far," said the King Islander whose time of 27:58 beat his PB by five seconds and broke Brett Robinson's course record of 28:12 set in 2023.
"My mum said 'Do you realise you were born in Launceston Hospital at 9.58?' which was when I was warming up today. I'm not a superstitious guy but it was a nice omen when I worked it out.
"It's amazing to be back in Launceston and I thoroughly enjoyed it. First time back for a while but what better place to start than in Launceston where I was actually born. To come back here on my birthday was a bit of an omen and hopefully holds me in good stead for the year."
After a delayed start to his season to finish university studies, McSweyn flies to Europe on Tuesday to commence his 2025 track season.
Launceston's 2022 race winner James Hansen came second in 28:47 with Matt Buckell (29:08) third.
Hobart's Ruby Smee made it a Tasmanian double by winning the women's race in 32:57 from Jenny Blundell (33:27) and Charlotte Wilson (34:22).
"Very exciting, I'm in shock," said the 24-year-old who eclipsed her PB by 10 seconds.
"I've run this event for many years. Winning wasn't really something I expected. I was excited to take the opportunity and have a real crack so I put myself up there from the start.
"I love racing in Tassie. This is not just a national-class event, it's a world-class event so it's so nice just a two-hour drive away, it's so special."
With more than 3400 runners entered across four events - also including the Liv Eat Mile and The Athlete’s Foot 5km - the 2025 McGrath Launceston Running Festival was the biggest fun run ever held in the city.
The figure eclipsed the participation record from last year by more than 1000 entrants and doubled the figure from 2023.
VISION – 10km here – half marathon here
Enter before midnight on the 31st March 2025 to get a personalised bib with a name of your choice on it!
In 2025, the McGrath Launceston Running Festival will happen over 1 day; June 1.
8:00am - Half Marathon
8:30am - Liv Eat Mile
10:15am - Tamar Chiro 10km
10:35am - The Athletes Foot 5km
Pacer Applications are managed by the Tasmanian Road Runners (TRR).
On the day each ‘TRR Angel’ will be easily identifiable in their ‘TRR Angel’ tops with their pace time clearly visible on a flag attached to their back.
TRR also organise ‘Foot Soldiers’ whose job it is to come last.
If you are interested in acting in either role, please contact TRR directly before registering.
Yes - the event is proud to be hosting the 2025 Athletics Tasmania Championships for the following:
Half Marathon – Open/40+/50+
5km – U14/U16/U18
1 Mile – U12
Road closures occur on Sunday June 1.
Please be aware there are some traffic changes in place on event day:
If you enter and then cannot run, you have 4 options:
No transfers or deferrals are possible after 5pm on Friday 23rd May.
To action this or for any queries, please email info@epicem.com.au
Yes, we just ask that you start towards the rear of the field to avoid collision with other participants.
All participants need to enter online and pay the registration fee, including little ones in the pram. Please use the categories dedicated for prams to receive a discounted entry for your little one.
Short answer is yes, as its a requirement of our insurance.
If you have already entered one of our other events and are running with a child to support them, then you can wear that bib during the Liv Eat 1 Mile.
All participants in the Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 1 Mile events will receive a finisher's medal as they cross the finish line.
Yes. We strongly recommend that the participants are at least the following ages:
- Half Marathon - minimum sge is 14
- 10km - minimum age is 12
- 5km - minimum age is 10
2025 bib collection will be held in the Kings Wharf Room at Peppers Silo Hotel on Lindsey Street.
Friday 30 May: 1pm - 6pm
Saturday 31 May: 9am - 3pm
Sunday 1 June: 6:30am - 30 mins before final event
Check out our full merchandise range available now.
Brag tags are available for purchase for $14 when you complete your registration.
There sure are and in 2025 all entrants will receive FREE photos. We'll have several snappers on course getting your best angle as you smash it along our scenic course!
2024 event photos are available to view and purchase here.
2023 event photos are available for purchase here.
2024 event results are available here.
You can view past results here!
A bag drop will be available. Simply use the bag tag attached to the bottom of your bib and drop it off at the bag drop marquee near the start/finish line.
The vacant block on Lindsay Street, opposite the Silo Hotel will be available for overflow parking. However restrictions will be in place in terms of coming and going. So if you want to make a quick getaway, we recommend parking in the city and walking across through Seaport. It's a lovely short warm up. Please do not park in the Bunnings/JB HiFi/Officeworks carpark, unless you are also purchasing from them on the day.
A new start/finish line will be on Doyne Street, off Lindsay Street in Invermay.
Depending on your familiarity with the area, we recommend arriving approximately 45-60min prior to your event start. Don't forget to allow extra time if you haven't collected your race bib prior.
If you have lost or damaged your race bib or timing tag, you can get a replacement from the event Registration Centre.
If you are unable to pick up your race bib, you can nominate someone to collect it on your behalf. Just be sure to communicate that with each other to avoid confusion!
You can also collect your bib on race morning but please allow an extra 15-30 minutes.
Your e-ticket makes it super-fast and efficient to collect your race pack. The e-ticket is a PDF document that contains your individual race number and QR code and we will ask you for it when you come to collect your race bib. You can print your e-ticket to bring along with you or have it available on your smartphone or tablet to show our registration staff.
You can upgrade or downgrade your event by following the below link. Simply log in to your Race Roster account and follow the prompts. You will be required to pay the difference between the event cost + $2 transfer fee.
You must complete your transfer by 24th May at 5:00pm, subject to availability.
No race bibs will be posted. They must be collected.
A friend/family can collect your bib for you if you're unable. Please ensure you both know this is occuring though, to save dissapointment or confusion if a bib has already been collected.
Teams are a great way to encourage community atmosphere. We encourage you to start a team and recruit in either the social, family or corporate categories. Simply do that when you register online.
Yes – Team Captains need to create a team by choosing the “Create a Team” in the pop-up box during registration.
We support elite athletes and have a comprehensive elite athlete program. Please contact the team via email, sean@epicem.com.au, if you wish to be considered for elite treatment. These are on a case by case basis.
No iPods and other music devices are permitted. This is a requirement if the insurance policy that covers all participants in the event. It has been found that participants using such devices are unable to hear instructions from Police and course marshals. Participants have also been unable to hear emergency vehicles that have been required on some courses.
Medical teams will be located along the course at various locations. If you are feeling unwell, please report to the nearest official or medical personnel as soon as possible. If you see any fellow participant/s in distress, please report the incident to the nearest course official Medical team member. If it is an emergency, please dial ‘000’ and report the exact location of the incident.
There will be 3 drink stations on course, depending which event you are in. Some will be available to you in both directions.
They're in:
- Tamar Rowing Club - West Tamar Highway (half marathon only)
- Grammar Equestrian Centre - East Tamar Highway (half marathon, 10km and 5km). Will have toilets.
- University Way Exit - East Tamar Highway (half marathon and 10km)
Thank you to the 1st Tamar Scout Group for manning these stations!
We are always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to help us out. Contact us on info@epicem.com.au to express an interest. Tell us if you've had any event experience and if there is a specific area you're interested in.
Anyone can enter the event! Whether you are an elite athlete, club runner, gym member, or simply someone who enjoys a social walk or jog. With the choice between a 1 Mile for the kids or a 5km, 10km or the Half Marathon, we have an event for everyone.
Sunday 1 June 2025:
8:00am - Peppers Silo Half Marathon
8:30am - Liv Eat Mile
10:15am - Tamar Chiro 10km
10:35am - The Athletes Foot 5km
Yes. All events carry a current World Athletics Certified course certificate except for the 1 Mile.
The 2026 edition of the McGrath Launceston Running Festival will be held on Sunday 31 May.