American stars sign on for halfmarathon

GOLD Coast Airport Marathon organisers have scored a major coup for the women’s half-marathon field with elite Americans Sara Hall and Desiree Linden set to battle it out.

Hall, a Pan-American Games steeplechase gold medallist, finished second in the Gold Coast half-marathon in 2015.

For Linden, a dual Olympian and 2011 Boston Marathon runner-up, it will be her first race in Australia.

“I had an incredible time in my first ASICS Half-Marathon on the Gold Coast. It was magical getting to start at dark and watch the sun rise over the broadwater on the perfectly flat road,” Hall said.

The 34-year-old has strong form heading into the 21km race including a 2:28:26 personal best at the 2017 Tokyo Marathon and 1:10:07 halfmarathon personal best in Houston, Texas, last year.

For 33-year-old Linden, who holds a half marathon personal best time of 1:10:34, the Gold Coast race was a chance to add to her marathon season.

She finished fourth at the Boston Marathon (2:25:06) and seventh in the New York Half-Marathon (1:11:05).

“I was looking for a good fast half-marathon in midJuly. I’ve seen results from the Gold Coast over the past couple years and it’s always quick for this time of year, has great conditions and is an absolutely gorgeous course,” Linden said.

Australian rivals and Olympians Milly Clark and Jessica Trengove will also feature in the field for the halfmarathon, adding to the overall quality.

The 39th Gold Coast Airport Marathon festival will be held on July 1-2.