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Tasmanian 10km Title Preview
14 Jun 2013
Sunday'S B&E Launceston Ten is not only shaping up as the hottest national title in the country, but also the most hotly contested Tasmanian crown in many years.
The men's race in particular for this weekend has attracted the strongest field from Tasmania, since the turn of the century.
Drawcard Grant Page will come in full of confidence after yet another victory at the states largest fun run, the City to Casino last month. This year the multiple state champion has contenders coming from all over.
After finishing just a few strides behind him recently in Hobart, Dejen Gebreselassie will certainly be a challenger. A strong run at this year B&E Hobart Run the Bridge suggests he knows how to rise to the occasion and seeing plenty of national stars on the startline will no doubt have the same effect on the youngster again.
If anyone is going to beat local Launceston man Jake Birtwhistle, they will most likely need to run under 30minutes. It is a barrier the teenager is eyeing off, after a season that saw him break the state open 3000m record, represent Australia at the world junior cross country championships and see him gain selection to represent Australia at the world triathlon championships in London in a few months time.
Training partners Josh Harris, James Hansen and Pat Smith are all potential medalists, in their hunt for a 10km personal best. Harris is a World University Cross Country representative last year and in deep training for a marathon debut later this year. While Hansen was named the Tasmanian distance athlete of the year last month. Smith has been the most improved in the past 12 months, returning to the sport early last year to take the state open 3000m crown and lead this years state 5000m ranking.
Defending champion David Thomas of Beechford had a sensational year in 2012, but comes in having raced sparingly this year.
Northwest athletes Brian Lyons and Douglas Hamerlok are both chances. Hamerlok was outstanding in 2012, winning the Point 2 Pinnacle, along with the 5km Launceston Classic and cannot be discounted in any Tasmanian distance running title, thanks to his versatility. While Lyons comes in off the back of a strong showing at the Australian Mt Running Championships on June 2, where he is now in contention for national duties, along with junior Biniyam Hagos, who will also tackle the 10km on Sunday.
With Mel Daniels taking a break, the absolute favourite in the women's will be Kate Pedley.
The Launceston based athlete will receive stiffest competition from aspiring junior Natalea Smith, who like Birtwhistle is juggling running and triathlon commitments. Tasmanian raised triathlete Madeleine Oldfield is also returning from the mainland to race, which should add some further interest to the locals.
What: B&E Launceston Ten
When: 10am start, Sunday June 16
Where: Starting and finishing out the front of the Launceston Town Hall
More: Like last year, this years event is also the Australian and Tasmanian 10km Road Running Championships
Who: The full list of elite athletes confirmed so far includes;
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