The 2026 McGrath Launceston Running Festival will once again cement its reputation as one of the premier half marathon road races in the world, with the announcement of exceptionally strong elite fields for the Peppers Silo Half Marathon on Sunday, May 31.
As the only event in the Southern Hemisphere to hold a World Athletics Elite Label, the McGrath Launceston Running Festival, presented by Rio Tinto Bell Bay Aluminium continues to attract world-class talent - and this year’s line-up delivers in emphatic fashion.
The men’s field is headlined by triple Olympian Brett Robinson (Australia, 59:57), alongside an outstanding international contingent including Tsubasa Ichiyama (Japan, 1:00:22), Ethan Shuley (USA, 1:01:02), and Yuta Asakawa (Japan, 1:00:54). Defending champion Teruki Shimada is among 7 world class Japanese men making the journey for the race.
2025 bridesmaid Isaac Heyne (1:01:13) returns, along with Australian marathon champion Haftu Strintzos (1:00:36), in form Queensland duo Liam Boudin (1:01:08) and Tim Vincent (1;01:17). The local charge will be led by James Hansen (1:02:19) who will thrive on his hometown streets.
With a remarkable depth of athletes under 62 minutes, the race is poised to be one of the fastest ever seen on Australian soil.
The women’s field is equally impressive, led by Australian half marathon record holder Isobel Batt-Doyle (1:07:17) and Australian marathon great Sinead Diver (1:08:50). They will be challenged by a deep and competitive group including Georgie Grgec (New Zealand, 1:09:13), Ellie Pashley (Australia, 1:09:14), Yumi Yoshikawa (Japan, 1:09:14), and Genevieve Gregson(Australia, 1:10:07), ensuring a thrilling contest at the front of the race.
Previous winner Milly Clark will have a fight on her hands with fellow Tasmanian Ruby Smee who steps up from being last year’s 10km winner, to the half marathon distance for the first time.
Event organisers highlighted the significance of the field strength in the context of the event’s global standing. In all, there will be 10 elite Japanese, 6 New Zealanders, an American, a Brit and a pair from Hong Kong.
“This year’s elite fields truly reflect the status of the McGrath Launceston Running Festival on the world stage. To attract this calibre of athlete to Tasmania speaks volumes about the course, the community, and the event experience we’ve built over many years,” said Race Director Richard Welsh.
“This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and fastest half marathons ever run in the Southern Hemisphere.”
The Peppers Silo Half Marathon has built a proud tradition of fast times and breakthrough performances, with its flat, scenic course continuing to draw elite athletes chasing personal bests and international qualification standards.
Tasmanian Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, welcomed the announcement of the elite fields:
Full elite fields for the men’s and women’s Peppers Silo Half Marathon are;
The 10km elite fields will be announced at a later date.
With thousands of participants expected to take part across all distances, the 2026 McGrath Launceston Running Festival promises another unforgettable celebration of running in Northern Tasmania
The festival will take place on Sunday 31 May 2026, featuring four events catering to elite and recreational runners alike: