Ranging in ages from 26 – 44, they will all line up on what is widely considered the fastest 10km course in Australia, in different phases of their running careers.
Picking a favourite out of Leanne Pompeani, Izzi Batt-Doyle and Lisa Weightman over 10km on the road at the moment is like trying to guess what the weather will be like a month out. We know the weather with be fresh, but the racing will be hot.
Weightman is a two-time winner of the event in 2008 and 2013, but showing extreme longevity in the sport she appears to be in career best form. In February this year, she ran the third fastest marathon ever by an Australian, clocking 2:23:15 in Osaka.
“I’m all set to return to the McGrath Launceston Running Festival after having a 10-year break! Lachlan (husband) and I are looking forward to showing our 8-year-old son Peter how beautiful Launceston is.
“The last time I raced here if I recall it was a tactical affair as it was a super windy day. It's so long ago that super shoes weren't a thing! I'm looking forward to joining the talented women of Australian distance running this year. We are all running so well and it's great to be part of such a good story,” Weightman added.
For Pompeani, her love affair for Tasmanian road races has truly blossomed in the past 12 months.
“I’m super excited to be coming back to Tassie for Launceston 10k. It is such a good opportunity to run fast times with quality athletes, flat course and good atmosphere.
“In 2022 I came second behind Jess Stenson who had an amazing run breaking the course record. With the quality of athletes racing I have no doubt the women will challenge that record this year.
“I had a solid run at last year’s Burnie 10. Finished that race feeling like dipping under 32 minutes would be doable. More recently I raced in Hobart at Run the Bridge. I raced this off a slow recovery from the World Athletics Cross Country Championships and placed second female, so I’m looking forward to hitting my next road race in Launceston with a fresher body and mind,” Pompeani said.
On Saturday in California, the Australian 10,000m champion obliterated her lifetime best when she ran 31:45.90 to leap up to number 11 on the Australian all-time list.
“Not matter what the day brings, it will be a great race that’s for sure!” she declared.
While Tokyo Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle continues her progression from track runner to the roads, as she recently smashed her marathon PB with 2:27:54 in Nagoya, Japan. The Adelaide athlete has made multiple podiums in Tasmanian road races but will be keen to get her maidan win.
The full field for the elite women’s Launceston 10km is:
