Nispel and Panayiotou storm home in the Noosa Half Marathon

Pat Nispel and Melanie Panayiotou have been crowned as 2014 Run Noosa Half Marathon champions with dominant performances.

The Seven Local News Run Noosa events were part of the 2014 Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest line-up and comprised of the Noosa Half Marathon, Noosa 10km Run and the Noosa 5km Run/Walk with perfect course conditions this morning.

In the men’s elite event, Marathon runner Nispel crossed the finish line in a slick 01:10:16 ahead of Ben Maccronan who crossed the finish line in second place.

The ambitious marathon runner is hoping to gain selection on the Swiss Team representing at the European Athletics Championships 2014 in Zurich and the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. Nispel expressed that it wasn’t his personal best race result however was able to maintain a steady pace to take claim the title as today’s race champion.

“The conditions were really nice today.”

“It was slower than my usual time however I did a marathon 5 days ago,” said Nispel.

In the women’s elite event, Australia Zoo vet and marathon runner, Panayiotou motored home with a blistering time of 01:17:17.

Panaytiotou displayed sheer content with her race feat in Noosa this morning conveying that she has done all she can to qualify for the 2014 Australian Commonwealth Games team.

“I am really happy with today’s race result, great conditions and things are looking good for me to make the Commonwealth Games selection.”

Runners come from all over Australia to experience the unique and beautiful course that starts in the heart of Noosa Heads.

Second place getter Sarah Crowley just didn’t have the power in her legs to chase her down.

“She was quick, I couldn’t catch her,” said Crowley.

Mark Urquhart took out the race in the wheelchair category after a successful race weekend. Urquhart also took part in yesterday’s Zinc 96.1 Swim Noosa event at the festival.

“The support out there was great, from the crowd and fellow competitors. It was a great event and I will be back every year. Today was a great race and it was a personal best for me,” Urquhart said.

In the 10km race, Paul Tucker claimed victory in the elite men’s race ahead of Marco Van Der Stel and Anthony Craig who placed second and third respectively.

“The conditions today were quite comfortable considering the heat and humidity that I am used to from the Capricorn Coast,” added Tucker.

It was a tight race with the top contenders battling it out from start to finish with 16-seconds separating first and second place.

In the women’s 10km race Tara Gorman smashed the distance in 37 minutes 4 seconds.

“I’ve been unwell with the flu so it was a pleasant surprise to take away the win today.”

The final run event on the Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest program was the Noosa 5km run/walk.

In the men’s field of the 5km event, Jared Hauschildt took out first place in an impressive 16-minutes and 30 seconds.

“I haven’t raced in Australia for a few years now so it was nice to race today,” Hauschildt said.

Jared’s wife and Ironman specialist Melissa Hauschildt took part in the 3.8km Swim Noosa event yesterday and was cheering on her husband from the sideline this morning.

Local school girl and young running sensation, Lilli Burdon, once again took out the 5km run title in the women’s field in a notable 18 minutes and 46 seconds.

Ironman Surf Champion Ky Hurst hit the pavement in the 5km run while also pushing his son Koa on the pram.

“I love being part of the Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest, it’s always a great weekend away,” said Hurst.

Everyone from the very young to the young at heart participated in the event to help raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Liz Cantor, National Breast Cancer Foundation ambassador and Australian television presenter was among the field of runners this morning.

For the majority of competitors who made their way along the Noosa River from Lions Park to Tewantin, just being involved was all they needed to be victorious.

IRONMAN Chief Executive Officer Geoff Meyer praised the efforts of the outstanding support of the Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest. Around 6,000 participants took part in the festival across all swim, run and cycle events.

“It is encouraging to see so many people out here today including all of the families and supporters of those participating. It’s a fantastic Meyer.

For all event information and results visit www.noosaultimatesportsfest.com.au

Results
Seven Local News Run Noosa

Half marathon
Male
1.       Wheelchair category, Mark Urquhart, 01:03:40

2.       Patrick Nispel, 01:10:16

3.       Ben Maccronan, 01:11:06

4.       Hintsa Mebrahtu, 01:13:23

Female
1.       Melanie Panayiotou, 01:17:17

2.       Sarah Crawley, 01:19:22

3.       Anita Keem, 01:20:36

10km Run
Male
1.       Paul Tucker, 00:32:28

2.       Marco Van Der Stel, 00:32:44

3.       Anthony Craig, 00:32:55

Female
1.       Tara Gorman, 00:37:04

2.       Sarissa De Vries, 00:38:13

3.       Tammy Bateson, 00:39:08

5km run
Male
1.       Jared Hauschildt, 00:16:30

2.       Tim Garrett, 00:16:52

3.       John Lean, 00:17:01

Female
1.       Lilli Burdon, 00:18:47

2.       Daina Craig, 00:19:56

3.       Cecilia Luhrs, 00:20:29


(Photo credit:  Eyes Wide Open IMAGES | Barry Alsop)