A record-breaking morning at the McGrath Launceston Running Festival has seen Haftu Strintzos deliver the fastest half marathon ever run on Australian soil, as Edward Marks and Caitlin Adams were runaway winners over 10km.
Strintzos broke the tape in the Peppers Silo Half Marathon in a time of 1:00:41 to eclipse Andrew Buchanan’s Australian all-comers record of 61:08 set at last year’s Gold Coast Marathon, stamping his presence as one of the nation’s premier road runners when defeating Brett Robinson in 1:01:22.
Capitalising on the new and improved course and pristine conditions, Strintzos achieved the feat in honest fashion, leading the field with over half the race remaining and breaking away from Robinson in the final five kilometres.
“I had a plan and set about delivering it. It worked out well and I’m really happy,” Strintzos said.
Japan’s Jinya Ozaki took third place in 1:01:27 to lead home five of his compatriots, while Izobel Batt-Doylewas a dominant winner in the women’s race.
The Australian record holder ran a measured performance to stop the clock in 1:08:46, leading home Genevieve Gregson in 1:11:10 and Japan’s Yumi Yoshikawa in 1:12:03.
“It was really exciting to return to Launceston and see how the event has grown. I haven’t been here for a few years, but really loved it. The support on course were great and the new finish line vibes were awesome,” Batt-Doyle said.
The Tamar Chiro 10km events were equally impressive, as Edward Marks took the next step in his emerging career with a sub 28-minute showing for first place, earning the win in a time of 27:57.
Marks put the foot down after a slow first kilometre, leaving Olympian Jack Rayner and Australian record holder Sam Clifford in his wake in a bold front-running masterclass, with Rayner holding on for second place in 29:14 ahead of the fan-favourite Clifford in 29:25.
“It’s really good company to join on the all time list. To be number two behind Jack is nice. Today I just stuck to my plan and the result I’m really happy with,” Marks said.
Caitlin (Adams) Scott clinched the win in the women’s race in a scorching 31:38, equalling the Australian all-comers record set by Leanne Pompeani set in the 2023 instalment of the event when defeating New Zealand’s Georgie Gregc in 32:15.
“I’m so happy to take a minute off my PB. I only got married a couple of weeks ago, so wasn’t expecting to run this fast, it’s just awesome,” Scott said.
Tasmania’s own Ruby Smee impressed in third place, crossing the line in a time of 32:45 to finish on the podium.
In the Tasmanian Half Marathon Championships, Kale Adams and Milly Clark were crowned champions in times of 1:04:07 and 1:12:37 respectively, while Tasmanian 5km titles went to Josh Harris in 15:36 and Darcy Miller in 17:33.
Full results can be found HERE.
Images available upon request.