19.10.2009

Tucker, Tamsett on top in Tasmania

World championships marathon man Mark Tucker and national 10,000m champion Lara Tamsett have taken out line honours at the 25th anniversary edition of the Burnie Ten in Tasmania at the weekend.

Thirty-year-old Tucker, who placed 47th in the marathon in a season best time of 2:21.27 at the world championships in August, proved the better man in a hard-fought sprint to the finish, breaking the tape in 30:01 ahead of Ben St Lawrence in 30:03.

Local hope Grant Page rounded out the men’s podium in 30:05 in a fast-finishing race that saw the top five place-getters separated by a matter of seconds. 

It was Tucker’s second Burnie Ten title, the Victorian taking out his first event victory in 2004. 

In the women’s event New South Wales athlete and national 10,000m champion Lara Tamsett successfully defended her title, claiming victory in 32:55 ahead of in-form Victorian Nikki Chapple in 33:15 and Eloise Wellings in 34:35.

Tucker and Tamsett each took home $3500 in prizemoney for their efforts. 

Over 4000 people took part in the 2009 edition of the Burnie Ten event, now one of the premier fixtures on the Australian recreational running calendar.

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