OFF AND RUNNING

A BIG turnout of top runners from across Tasmania has thrilled organisers of the Richmond Carnival.

Organiser Ray Quarrell said around 80 competitors took park in the carnival on Sunday, the first professional event for the Tasmanian athletics season.

“We had a record number of entires and we had a lot of positives come out of it,” Mr Quarrell said. “It was just one of those positive days and going forward it makes you feel good.”

The Men’s Gift was won by Hobart runner Ryan Cooper while Devonport runner Emma Penney won the Women’s Gift.

Phil McConnon won the open 1600 metres and Paul Neeley won the master’s 1600 metres.

Hobart Athletics Club‘ s Jessica Lyndon, 32, had a stellar day, winning the women’s 300 metres and placing second in the Women’s Gift, women’s 70 metres, and masters 70 metres.

“It was a great result,” Mr Quarrell said.

There was also a high standard on show in the junior events. Under- 15s 120 metres winner Tommy Bennett, of the Sandy Bay Harrier Club, said he would focus his attention on the state club championships after a good run at Richmond.

“I was feeling really good going into it, I had a good run today so I’m really happy with that,” he said.

Mr Quarrell said the carnival was strongly supported by local businesses from the Richmond region.

The next big event on the Hobart athletics calendar will be the Bikes and Spikes Carnival at New Town on December 27.

“Its going to be huge because we have interstate athletes and cyclists coming down,” Mr Quarrell said.