Perfect Ten ahead despite star pullout

ONE of Australia’s best distance runners may have pulled out but organisers of the Launceston Ten are ecstatic about the calibre of runners for tomorrow’s race.

Olympian Ben St. Lawrence, who is also the national 10km record holder, was forced to pull out of the event that is part of the Tasmanian Running Festival.

Race director Rob Gillard said despite St. Lawrence’s withdrawal, the field for the 10km race that also acts as the Oceania 10k Road Championship was very strong.

“It’s looking really Gillard said.

“Especially the female race, the men’s is also good even

good,” though Ben pulled out as we have Liam Adams and some other guys.”

The battle between Eloise Wellings and Jess Trengrove in the women’s field looks to be the highlight of the event.

The two Olympians are the hot favourites, but Gillard said not to discount Nicki McFadzien of New Zealand — one of a couple of international com- petitors fronting up in Launceston.

“We’ve got a couple, Charles Kipsang from Kenya is returning to have a crack — he didn’t run to well last time when he came down so it will be interesting to see how he goes,” Gillard said.

“We also have Oska Inkster-Baynes of New Zealand and Ryan Doyle of America.”

It won’t just be the national and international competitors lighting up Launceston tomorrow, the battle for the Tasmanian 10km Championship is also set to enthral.

“There’s a lot of excitement with Josh Harris, David Thomas and Grant Page all going head to head,” Gillard said.

“All three could win it, it will be close.”