Haftu Strintzos has run the fastest half marathon ever recorded on Australian soil, clocking 1:00:41 at the McGrath Launceston Running Festival on Sunday.
Strintzos shattered Andrew Buchanan’s Australian all-comers record of 1:01:08, set at last year’s Gold Coast Marathon, to cement his standing as one of the country’s top road runners.
He beat Brett Robinson, who finished in 1:01:22, after leading with more than half the race to go and pulling away 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 in 1:01:27, leading home five of his compatriots.
Izobel Batt-Doyle was a dominant winner in the women’s half marathon, running a controlled race to finish in 1:08:46.
Genevieve Gregson came second in 1:11:10, with Japan’s Yumi Yoshikawa third 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,” Batt-Doyle said.
“The support on course were great and the new finish line vibes were awesome.”
In the 10km, Edward Marks announced himself with a blistering 27:57 to take first place.
Marks surged after a slow opening kilometre, leaving Olympian Jack Rayner and Australian record holder Sam Clifford behind in a bold front-running display.
Rayner held on for second in 29:14, with fan favourite Clifford third 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 Scott clinched the women’s 10km in a scorching 31:38, equalling the Australian all-comers record set by Leanne Pompeani at the 2023 event.
New Zealand’s Georgie Gregc finished second 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 Ruby Smee impressed in third, crossing the line in 32:45.
In the Tasmanian Half Marathon Championships, Kale Adams and Milly Clark were crowned champions in 1:04:07 and 1:12:37 respectively.
Tasmanian 5km titles went to Josh Harris in 15:36 and Darcy Miller in 17:33.
