Pompeani Sets Record, Clifford Joins Club, Nationals Beckons

Canberra’s Leanne Pompeani and Launceston’s Sam Clifford have been crowned the winners of the 40th Strait Link Burnie 10.
 
Pompeani trimmed two seconds off the course record crossing the line in 31minutes 40seconds.  The course record was 25 years old, dating back to 1999 when Hobart’s Kylie Risk ran 31:42.
 
“We firmly had our sights on the course record.  I knew what it was and knew what we needed to do, so it’s great to better it today,” Pompeani said.  
 
In the form of her life, Pompeani was flanked by males helping her pace to the turn, into a gentle breeze, then turned and with the benefit of a tailwind stormed to the new record.
 
“Heading out we were all excited and running downhill, so did the first kilometre in about 3min flat, but then settled in and just did what we could on the way home,” she added.
 
For breaking the course record, being first to the turn and taking line honours she’ll head home $6500 richer.  2021 winner Caitlin Adams was second, with Kate Spencer rounding out the podium.  First Tasmanian was Ruby Smee in 33:50.  
 
While Clifford joined a very elusive club, becoming just the second Tasmanian male to win the famous race.  It was the run of his life, as he made a move before the turn and was never troubled, despite the quality field.
 
“I was chasing the cash and wanted the $500 bonus at the turn,” Clifford confessed in making a move just before the midway point.
 
“Running back I just felt really good and enjoyed it.  I think I was waving to the crowd a long way out,” he laughed.  
 
The winning time of 28min 17sec was a massive personal best and a monumental moment in the development of his career.
 
2021 winner Isaac Heyne took home second, with Ireland’s Brian Fay coming home third.  
 
Inaugural race winner and current Athletics Australia board  Steve Moneghetti was on hand to make a major event announcement for the future of the event during the presentations.  The Strait Link Burnie 10 will host the Australian 10km Road Running Championships over 10km in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
 
“The Burnie 10 has long been one of Australia’s best road events so we’re incredibly excited to announce the event as the Australian 10km Road Running Championships for the next three years. The race is iconic, rich in history and community spirit and has been a favourite for our distance cohort. While many of them race there each year, it will now provide a nationally significant platform for Australia’s top distance runners to showcase their talents in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. It’s an exciting step for our sport in Tasmania and a fantastic opportunity to support such a strong race in the heart of Burnie,” said Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth. 
 
Results from today are available HERE. 
 
The 2025 edition of the Strait Link Burnie 10 will be on Sunday 26th October.  Entries will open soon.

By Richard Welsh, EPIC Events & Marketing
Posted 28/10/2024