Headlining the elite men’s field is Australian 10km record holder Sam Clifford, who owns a blistering personal best of 27:34, alongside fellow Australian representative Jack Rayner with a personal best of 27:43.
Rayner set his best time in winning the Strait Link Burnie 10 in 2022, setting a then Australian record. Clifford then eclipsed that record last year in the ASICS Meta Speed race in Tokyo, with the record still standing.
The pair will have to hold off in form Ed Marks, who has finished second in both the ‘Launnie 10’ and last year’s Burnie 10. He’s been unbeatable on the roads in Victoria this year and finished a credible 25th at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in January.
Last year, Tasmanian star Stewart McSweyn set a stunning new course record of 27:58 for the event. Now the locally raised Clifford has set his sights on a fast time on the course he knows so well.
“Always a terrific weekend at the McGrath Launceston Running Festival where the whole community experiences the joy of running.
“The course is fast, flat and a great opportunity to test yourself.
“I look forward to the competition on the day and to get the best out of myself.
“Being Launceston born, having this race so close to home has created the foundations of my running career, while the festival continues to develop as a key event on the road running calendar,” Clifford said.
The women’s race is also set to deliver high-quality competition, led by evergreen Australian Marnie Ponton, who brings an impressive 32:45 personal best to the event.
With more than 20 athletes across both fields holding personal bests under 35 minutes for women and under 30 minutes for men, organisers say spectators can expect some of the fastest road racing ever seen in Tasmania.
Overall entry numbers are booming and set to surpass last year’s record.
The festival will take place on Sunday 31 May 2026, featuring four events catering to elite and recreational runners alike: