Cairns 30 features everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors, to those running the furthest they ever have and others training for bigger goals. It’s a mix that has brought about solid women’s and men’s fields for the first ever Cairns 30. Who should you be keeping an eye out for in this weekend’s race?
FEMALE RACE
Sarah Thomas
The professional triathlete is the out and out favourite for Cairns 30 and has seen huge improvements in her running over the past 6 months. A recent change of coach and now training with some of Australia’s top triathletes, Sarah is staring down the barrel of a big 2022. At Ironman Western Australia in December 2021, Sarah picked up her first professional Ironman podium and, despite coming off a DNF at Hell of the West last weekend, will be not only at the front of the women’s race, but also throw down the challenge for the men.
Tracy Marcel
The Foher ambassador knows all about running in Cairns being a regular at the Great Pyramid Race and Cairns Marathon with plenty of solid results along the way. In both 2019 and 2021, Tracy took out 3rd place in her age group at Cairns Half Marathon, clocking in at 1:44:32 in 2021. She’s a regular at FNQ run events and is sure to put up a fight over 30km this Sunday.
Jodie Henley
Consistency and Jodie Henley go hand in hand. This diligence and commitment to training over the past 6 months led to a break through win at the Clifton Beach 10k in February in 47:30 amongst a solid field, and her training has her well prepared for a fast 30k. Don’t count her out of being amongst the podium!
Kryssi O’Hare Sipley
The Cairns PT and coach is fit, strong and ready to rumble in this weekend’s inaugural Cairns 30. A sub 1:40 half marathon only 2 weeks ago shows Kryssi’s current form. But add to this being a veteran of 24 marathons, we know Kryssi has the endurance and speed to compete over the 30k distance. Expect her to be well and truly in the fight for the podium while being cheered on by her family and her Getfit Running Crew!
Clare Zappala
The local legend, teacher and Cairns 50 Ambassador, Clare Zappala can do it all. Probably her greatest athletic achievement, Clare finished her first Ironman here in Cairns in 2021 and is used to not only the FNQ conditions, but also the Cairns 30 course. Her consistency in results means that she will put up a fight regardless, especially when racing in her own backyard surrounded by friends, family and supporters (not to mention all her students at The Rocks Aid Station)!
OTHERS TO WATCH
Michelle Caffrey
Amber Rowe
Narelle Broadley
Rebecca Elliott
Leah Watkins
MALE RACE
Adam Fox
If it’s a Cairns ultra-run, Adam Fox has done it…and likely he has done it FAST! 2021 was a big year for Adam finishing Ultra Trail Australia in under 12 hours and breaking the magical 3 hour barrier at Cairns Marathon. He has been backing it up in 2022 with a 5k Parkrun PB on the Glenoma Park course and a win at the 4 hour Bustard Express. The big question for Adam on race day…can he beat Sarah Thomas?
Rod Miller
The local triathlete and cyclist has plenty of endurance sport experience and will likely be at the pointy end of the field come Cairns 30 race day. With one of the Queensland’s best triathlon coaches in his corner, Rod will know how to attack race day to suit his strengths. Expect the FIXX Nutrition athlete to put up a solid fight.
Will Carrette
Expect to see Will pushing for the podium on Sunday with a string of solid run weeks under his belt…in fact, you’re not likely to find many more consistent runners! Will just doesn’t miss, and has found some solid results along the way. At the 2021 Cairns Half Marathon, he knocked out a 1:26:41 to take home 2nd in his age group. Will is well and truly capable of matching it at the front of Cairns 30!
Rinaldo Lookene
Off the back of 3rd place in last weekend’s Cairns Road Runners Copperlode Cup, Rinaldo is in good form and looking to continue the success at this weekend’s Cairns 30. Rinaldo has been putting in the long runs and is looking ready for a strong performance this weekend.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Kevin Davies
Shane Ellis
