FESTIVAL’S OFF AND RUNNING

THE interest of top athletes around the country has been sparked by the return of a Launceston running event that could be Australia’ s biggest in 2020.

Entries are now open for the signature event, previously known as the Launceston 10 and then the Tasmanian Running Festival, set to return in December with a new name, new course and additional event after a painful year for race director Richard Welsh.

The Launceston Running Festival will be held on December 13 instead of the Queen’ s Birthday long weekend in June as usual.

Mr Welsh said the event had drawn the keen interest of Olympians, professional runners and recreational runners alike with state border restrictions possibly lifted on October 26. A half marathon has been added to the festival, which also includes 5 km and 10 km events. The 2 km junior event will become a mile in honour of the historic distance.

The 10 km event will return to its traditional course from Lindsay Street to Pepper’ s Silos at Kings Wharf, creating a festive atmosphere and events will begin earlier in the morning due to the summer heat. Interstate and international runners will also be able to participate virtually.

Triathlon runner Jake Birt whistle first ran the Launceston 10 when he was 12.

He said being able to participate“where it all started” this year was a silver lining after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed until next year.