In 2020 it produced the fastest men’s and women’s half marathon times in Australia, with Brett Robinson clocking 61:37 and Andrea Seccafien 71:38. Then in 2021 it was the second fastest course in the nation with winning times to Tom Do Canto in 62:38 and Milly Clark 71:09.
Now in 2022, the fields have been assembled to go even faster, with both course record holders Brett Robinson and Milly Clark to return, along with some stiff competition.
Robinson headlines the men’s field, as the Australian record holder at the distance at 59:57 and on the weekend clocked a swift 13:21 for the 5000m at the Pre Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
“I really want to have a crack if the conditions are good. I’ve just spent the last 2 months at altitude and I’m coming off a PB over 10km and a good 5km so think I can run pretty fast,” Robinson said.
While the athletes have been training, organisers have also made the course faster by removing the hill at the northern Newnham end. Robinson’s time from 2020 in Launceston is the third fastest ever on Australian soil for the distance and with the hill gone, he thinks the Australian All-Comers record of 61:11 is a chance going off his recent form.
“In 2020 I was on pace to run under 61.11 but lost some time on the hill and couldn’t get in back in the last few km. Without the hill I think I have a good shot at running the All- Comers record,” Robinson declared.
Liam Adams, who was Australia’s top placed marathoner at the Tokyo Olympics is also set to join the field, along with Joel Tobin-White who carries a lifetime best of 62:03.
After placing 10th at last year’s Olympic marathon, Sinead Diver headlines the women’s field. Fresh off a recent outing at the distance last month of 69:00 in Japan, her form is strong coming in.
“I haven’t raced this course before so not sure what to expect time wise but my aim will be to win. The field is very strong this year though so I know I’ll have a good battle on my hands,” Diver said.
The Victorian owns the 10km course record in Launceston and will be up against hometown hero, defending champion and course record holder Milly Clark who knows the course inside out.
“I’ve raced the 10k in Launceston a few times and love it, it’s one of the fastest in Australia. Hopefully, with the girls lining up this year, we can produce some fast times over the half too,” she declared.
Diver was recently announced in the Australian team for the Commonwealth Games and sees this as a critical lead in race to Birmingham.
“Launie will be my last race in Australia before heading overseas for some altitude training in preparation for Comm Games. The marathon is held on 30th July so that will be my next race.
“I always love coming to Tassie to race! The Launceston running festival offers a fast course, a fabulous running community and the perfect little hit out for me whilst I’m mid marathon training. Can’t wait,” Diver added.
HALF MARATHON
MEN / PB
Brett Robinson / 59.57
Joel Tobin-White / 1.02.03
Liam Adams / 1.02.51
Nick Earl / 1.04.31
Brett Ellis / 1.06.51
Sam Hopper / 1.09.09
Ben Covington / 1.09.50
Marcus Curypko / 1.15.12
Andre Waring / Debut
WOMEN / PB
Sinead Diver / 1.08.50
Milly Clark / 1.10.48
Abigail Nordberg / 1.15.17
Vanessa Wilson / 1.16.17
Lexy Gilmour / 1.16.28
Brooke Williams / Debut