A hometown champion has been crowned at one of Australia’s most scenic running events.
Noosa’s Alex Harvey claimed victory in the 2025 ASICS Runaway Noosa Marathon on Saturday.
He crossed the line in 2hr28min26 seconds, more than six minutes ahead of Ben Cook.
Harvey was among more than 8500 people to take part in the running festival, which included the marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km. That’s the most entries since its inception in 2018.
He was delighted to win on home soil.
“It’s good to run these streets that I always do, and to have my family on the (finish) line is a special moment,” he said.
“I run at a relatively high level but you don’t get to win too many marathons, let alone do it at home when you’re with your family.
“I do travel to a lot of races so to win a race and have them here is an amazing thing: it’s pretty special overall.”
Sydney’s Olivia Beck was victorious in the women’s marathon, taking the tape in 2hr54min54 seconds, two minutes ahead of Eleanor Goldrick.
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Beck was thrilled with the experience.
“I love Noosa, it’s such a great place to be,” she said.
“It’s such a nice track because everyone (competing in different distances) does it at the same time. People are cheering you along the way, which makes it fun.”
Sunshine Coast’s Hamish Hamilton and Sydney-based New Zealander Samantha Vance won the men’s and women’s half marathons, the latter by just two seconds.
Tom Bowers and Siobhan Sefton won the 10km races while Matthew Turner and Harriet Smith won the 5km events.
The ASICS Runaway Noosa Marathon is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
It is one of three running events in the Runaway Marathon Series. The others include Queenstown/Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand and Sydney.
An associated swimming event, Swim Noosa, was scheduled for Sunday.
Marathon effort
Sunshine Coast News journalist Steele Taylor was among more than 1450 people to enter the festival’s feature race.
He detailed what it was like to be a first-time marathon runner.
“Getting to the start line was a huge challenge in itself,” he said.
“Months of training – rain, hail or shine – were required.
“Aches and pains had me doubting whether I’d be able to take part.
“So, I was relieved to line up alongside thousands of others on a perfect Saturday morning.
“After the horn sounded, I got caught up in the moment and ran too fast: a rookie mistake.
“I felt like I was flying for the first half of the event, spurred on by the waves of roadside supporters that cheered for all runners.
“Cramps kicked in at the halfway mark and the next 20-odd kilometres were a painstaking blur.
“I crossed the finish line, on wobbly legs, with a sense of relief and pride.
“The event was well run in a great location at a great time of year. The four-lap course was flat and scenic and the crowd was motivating.
“Would I do it again? Ask me in a week or two.”
