A hometown runner is relishing back-to-back victories at an increasingly popular marathon festival.
Alex Harvey defended his title at the Runaway Noosa Marathon festival’s feature event, the 42.2km marathon, on Saturday, when almost 9000 people hit the road.
He crossed the line in 2hr23min32sec, more than four minutes clear of Jamie Lacey.
Runners from around the world took on either the marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km event, amid near perfect late-autumn weather.
“That’s two wins in a row, and I think the year before I won the half, so it’s been a pretty good event for me,” Harvey said.
“Having moved to Noosa maybe four or five years ago, I know these streets so well … I kind of know what’s going to happen on the course and I used that to my advantage.
“The best thing is you get to run a marathon on a beautiful course and then go to the beach. There aren’t many marathons in the world where you can do that,” he said.
Melbourne’s Sophie Houghton won the women’s marathon in in 2:55.27, edging out Eleanor Goldrick.
“The vibes were insane,” she said.
“There were so many spectators. You’re constantly seeing people (and) you continually get support, which helps when you get towards the end.”
Tim Vincent won the men’s half marathon in 1:05.20 and New Zealand’s Arleah Tippins won the women’s half marathon in 1:16.04.
The festival appeals to runners of all ages and abilities, with the flat multi-lap course meaning that people are never far away from their supporters.
The ASICS Runaway Noosa Marathon is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
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The first Runaway Noosa event was held in 2018. This year’s edition was the seventh, as it didn’t take place in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.
Swim Noosa, including 500m, 1km, 2km and 3.8km distances, was held off Noosa Main Beach on Sunday.
