Distance dates locked in

Distance runners and walkers across the country can lock in their 2017 campaigns from today, with Athletics Australia confirming the Australian Road Running, Cross Country and Race Walking Championships calendar for the winter of athletics ahead.

The Australian Half Marathon Championships launch proceedings on Sunday 20 August, with the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon welcoming a national title race for the first time. Competing athletes will duel not only for top spot on the dais, but also Priority Status for selection to compete in the green and gold at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships next year.

“The 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon is proud to partner with Athletics Australia in delivering the national half marathon championships for the next three years,” Jason Crowthers, Race Director, said.

“Competitors will start their half marathon campaign at the Alexandra Headlands Surf Club, taking in the picturesque surrounds of Maroochydore and Mooloolaba before returning to finish on the water once more. It’s a flat and fast course and I’m confident performances will reflect the hours of training athletes undertake to get ready for race day.”

The following weekend, the Australian Cross Country Championships descend on Wollongong (NSW). Athletes aged under 14, under 16, under 18, under 20 and open will have the chance to take home the gold medal for their respective age group. The Australian Winter Race Walking Championships will be held on Sunday 27 August.

“The Kembla Joggers and the City of Wollongong are excited to welcome distance runners from across the nation to the 2017 Australian Cross Country Championships,” Neil Barnett, Kembla Joggers President, said.

“We are very fortunate to have a fantastic purpose-built cross-country facility here that will provide the perfect setting for great racing. We will work tirelessly with Athletics Australia to make the championships an event to remember and we are sure athletes will enjoy every minute of competing here.”

The Australian Road Running Championships and the Australian Marathon Championships round out the race schedule on Sunday 17 September, with the Sunday Mail City-Bay Fun Run and the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival to welcome athletes across 12 kilometres and 42.195 kilometres respectively.

The partnership with the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival will see the Australian Marathon Championships held in the Harbour City for three years, with the 2018 race providing the winner with Priority Status for selection to compete at the Doha 2019 IAAF World Championships.

“Athletics Australia is proud to partner with these exceptional running festivals to deliver the best possible competition opportunities for distance runners, as well as with the Kembla Joggers and the City of Wollongong for the national cross-country titles and winter walks,” Tracey Gaudry, Athletics Australia General Manager, Commercial and Growth, said.

“It’s also fantastic to see hosting rights for the half marathon and marathon distances spanning three years, allowing optimal forward planning for athletes and coaches as they prepare to take on the world through until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

Australian Half Marathon Championships
Event: 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon (McDonalds Half Marathon)
Date: Sunday 20 August 2017
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastmarathon.com.au/

Australian Cross Country Championships
Date: Saturday 26 August 2017
Location: Kembla Joggers Cross Country Park, Wollongong
Website: CLICK HERE

Australian Winter Race Walking Championships
Date: Sunday 27 August 2017
Location: Wollongong
Website: CLICK HERE

Australian Road Running Championships
Event: Sunday Mail City-Bay Fun Run
Date: Sunday 17 September 2017

Australian Marathon Championships
Event: Blackmores Sydney Running Festival
Date: Sunday 17 September 2017
Website: http://sydneyrunningfestival.com.au/