McSweyn to race the Australian 10km Championships in Burnie

Australian distance running royalty and Tasmanian native Stewart McSweyn will headline this month’s Strait Link Burnie 10.

For the first time in its 41-year history, the Burnie 10 will also host the Australian 10km Road Running Championships on Sunday 26 October, 2025.

The occasion will be made even more special with the return of two-time Burnie 10 champion, former course record holder and crowd favourite McSweyn, who is set to light up the streets of his home region.

It will be his first outing at the famed race since he set a then course record in 2018 of 28minutes 3seconds.

McSweyn arrives in top form, having won the Tamar Chiro Launceston Ten in June with a blistering 10km personal best of 27:58, underlining his status as one of Australia’s finest all-time distance athletes.

“I’m extremely excited to be back at the Burnie 10 this year, an event that is going to be bigger and better this year than ever,” McSweyn said.

“North-West coast is my home so whenever I’m back in Australia and can come there to race it’s a no brainer. The amount of support I have received from the area over the years has been unbelievable, so I’m looking forward to getting back out therein the community again and hopefully putting on a performance that shows my appreciation for all this support across the years,” the King Islander said.

The Australian 10km Road Running Championships is set to bring the nation’s top distance athletes to Burnie, ensuring a truly world-class race at the front of the field. For recreational runners, walkers and juniors, the Burnie 10 remains a celebration of participation and community spirit, with more than 3000 expected to fill the streets in 3 weeks time.

“Having Stewart return is a huge boost for the Burnie 10,” said Race Director Richard Welsh.

“He is a local hero, a world-class athlete, and a genuine crowd favourite. His presence on the start line lifts the entire event, and with the Australian Championships here for the first time, this year is shaping up to be unforgettable.”

The 2026Strait Link Burnie 10 promises a festival atmosphere on Burnie’s waterfront,with participants able to choose from the Strait Link Burnie 10, Elphinstone 5k, and Liv Eat Kids Dash.

From first-timers to national champions, there is an event for everyone.

Entries are open until Saturday 25^thOctober.

By Australian Athletics
Posted 17/10/2025