47th City to Casino Fun Run and Walk: winners announced
Hometown marathon hero Dejen Gebreselassie has set a new race record in the 47th City to Casino Fun Run. ALL THE WINNERS + BEST PICTURES
Tasmania
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HOMETOWN marathon hero Dejen Gebreselassie has set a new race record in the 47th City to Casino Fun Run as he continues to train for a spot on the Australian Olympic team.
Gebreselassie, 25, of New Town, completed the 11km run from near the Hobart Showground to Wrest Point in just 32 minutes and three seconds.
The Sudanese-born star said he had set his sights on smashing the 2007 record of 32:14 before going into the race.
“It wasn’t an easy record to beat but I’ve been training to qualify for the Olympics and I felt ready,” he said.
“The support of the crowd was beautiful and they were making go faster.
“I give credit to the other guys running with me, they were very quick and tough athletes. It wasn’t easy to shake them but when I took off about 4km into the race, I knew I could maintain my pace.”
It is the first time Gebreselassie has won the City to Casino, falling short by 11 seconds to Pat Smith in last year’s 7km event.
Gebreselassie wasn’t the only impressive performer this morning, with 11km female race winner Mel Daniels taking home her third City to Casino victory with an impressive time of 38:26.
Daniels, 30, of Glenorchy, has been doing the City to Casino on and off since primary school and won back-to-back first place medals in the 11km race in 2011 an 2012.
“It’s an iconic event in Hobart, it’s a great race for the community and I really enjoy running it,” Daniels said.
“It’s a tough course but it’s one of my favourite races and I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Sam Clifford and Ruby Smee were the winners of the 7km run, while Noah Proposch and Jessica Smith were the first to cross the finish line in the 2.7km primary school race.
Race director Haydyn Nielsen said more than 3000 participants of all ages and abilities pounded the pavement in one of four events across three courses.
“It was prefect conditions, the sun was out and there was no wind,” Mr Nielsen said.
“Gebreselassie recorded the fastest time ever, it was very impressive.
“It was also very encouraging to see almost 1200 participants in the primary school event for students aged between five and 12.”
The 11km run started adjacent to Hobart Showground, the 7km run and walk from Carnelian Bay, and the 2.7km kids run from Salamanca Place.
The City to Casino was established in 1973 and is the oldest fun run in Tasmania.
To view the results visit: resultshq.org/City2Casino/2019
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