Around 4000 runners from across Australia and the world are set to pound the pavement during the newly crowned 'Elite Label' Launceston Running Festival.
Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan, said the festival recently secured the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label.
"It's now the first, and only, half marathon event with that title in the Southern Hemisphere," Minister Duigan said.
"The World Athletics Elite Label places Launceston alongside the world's premier running events.
"This will support the Launceston Running Festival to attract athletes both from across the globe as well as drive significant interstate visitation to Tasmania during our off-season.
"Organisers are expecting 4000 competitors and more than 600 travelling from interstate and overseas to compete.
"This now-premier running event, like many others held across Tasmania, is another fantastic example of the community coming together through exercise."
Minister Duigan said the Tasmanian Government, through our Festival and Event Support Fund, was supporting the Launceston Running Festival over 2025 and 2026.
"The fund has been created to boost regional visitation and strengthen the Tasmanian economy during the shoulder and winter months, and the Launceston Running festival is a fantastic example of this," Minister Duigan said.
"Our Government recognises our winter economy is crucial. Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is committed to ensuring the off season must be filled with engaging events enticing visitors to stay and travel within our beautiful State.
The Launceston Running Festival will take place on Sunday, 1 June 2025 starting and finishing at Riverbend Park.
