Fast feet from Queensland University of Technology and Southern Cross University

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Southern Cross University (SCU) have claimed the overall champion titles in the respective men’s and women’s categories after outstanding performances from their student-athletes in the Gold Coast Marathon on 1-2 July 2023.

Over 220 students from 33 universities competed in the UniSport Nationals Distance Running as part of the Gold Coast Marathon. Event partner, SCU had the highest number representatives with 50 student-athletes in the half marathon and marathon distance, and over 100 students in other distances.

Excellent performances from SCU’s female contingent led to a landslide victory against the rest of the field in the women’s competition. The QUT men dominated in the ASICS Half Marathon surging home ahead of an experienced Deakin University (DEAK) team.

UniSport Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mark Sinderberry extended his congratulations to all student-athletes competing at the event. “Nationals Distance Running is another opportunity for students challenge themselves and to connect with their universities” said Sinderberry.

UNSW Sydney student, Jessica Guo clinched first place in the women’s ASICS Half Marathon race beating Kaitlin McIntosh from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Jolie Cullen from The University of Notre Dame Australia (NDA) by less than 10 seconds. Meanwhile, Ben Cook from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) raced brilliantly against his field in the ASICS Half Marathon to claim the top spot by more than three minutes.

In the Gold Coast Marathon, Bridget Lunn from The Australian National University (ANU) went head-to-head with Rosie Donegan from Monash University (MON), edging her out by less than a second to claim gold in the women’s marathon distance. Lachlan Bryant of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) pulled off an effortless performance to defend his title as the reigning UniSport Distance Running marathon champion for the second year in a row. Tailing Bryant by less than three minutes, Scott Westcott from The University of Newcastle (UON) cruised home to take second place, showing no signs of wear and tear for a runner twenty-years senior to the rest of the pack.

Event Management Queensland General Manager, Ryan McDonald, said:

“The 2023 Gold Coast Marathon powered by Chery was thrilled to host the 2023 UniSport Nationals Distance Running Championships with 225 entrants from 33 different universities across both the Gold Coast Marathon and the ASICS Half Marathon events. It is a fantastic opportunity for student athletes to compete for individual gold, silver and bronze medals and also compete as a university team.”

Whilst there were some excellent performances from the medal winners, special mentions must be made to a handful of athletes who demonstrated great athleticism, endurance, and determination in their sporting endeavours. Dylan Phuah (QUT) and Cheree Spowart from Central Queensland University (CQU) not only competed in the Nationals Distance Running but also the Nationals Triathlon earlier this year in St Kilda, Victoria. Notable mentions are also to be made to the student-athletes who ran both the ASICS Half Marathon and the Gold Coast Marathon on consecutive days (listed below)

To see the full results from Nationals Distance Running, click here.

The 2023 UniSport Nationals series continues with Nationals Futsal on the Gold Coast (Kombumerri) in July.

About UniSport

UniSport Australia (UniSport) is the peak body for university sport in Australia. 43 universities are members of UniSport, representing a population of over one million students. UniSport’s ambition is to become an integral partner to Australian universities and to deliver an outstanding student experience at our national intervarsity competitions.

More information on UniSport: www.unisport.com.au

For more information please contact:

Kylie Bloodworth

Marketing and Communications Manager

Mobile: 0449 949 916

Email: kylie.bloodworth@unisport.com.au