Sweet success for marathon

ONE of Tasmania’s favourite family-friendly running events, the Cadbury Marathon, attracted more than 1600 competitors to the streets of Claremont last month.

The 40th instalment of the popular annual event was held on 7 January, with organisers thrilled by the huge turnout.

The Cadbury Marathon offers a distance to suit for everyone, from full marathons right down to a 1km event for kids aged under 12, with all events starting and finishing outside the Cadbury Factory.

The 2023 edition attracted competitors from 10 different countries, alongside 600 interstate participants. About 260 athletes completed the full 42km marathon, with Richard Egan (Victoria) and Leah Fitzgerald (Coffs Harbour) winning the men’s and women’s divisions respectively.

The state government

2023 Cadbury Marathon results:

provided $5000 in Championship Grant funding towards the Cadbury Marathon, which Sport and Recreation Minister Nic Street said is one of the most important events on the Tasmanian sporting calendar.

“Tasmania is renowned for our growing events calendar, which the Cadbury Marathon has been a part of since 1984,” he said.

“Our Government is a proud supporter of participation-based events that benefit the wider community and encourage Tasmanians to stay active, which is why we are providing the Championship Grant funding.

“Thanks to the event founders Ted Best and Robert Gozzi, Athletics Tasmania, as well as the volunteers, competitors and their supporters who all play an integral role in the success of this iconic and longstanding Hobart event.”

The fund offers financial support to local individuals and teams who represent their state nationally or their country internationally in significant sporting, academic, cultural or civic events.

During 2022, many local athletes travelled to compete on the national and world stage.

Boxer Leisha Vaughan travelled to Turkey to take part in the 2022 IBA Women’s World Championships for boxing; and Isobel Gray, Arielle Cannell and Evie Bingham travelled to Sydney for the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships.

Netballers Isabella Slade and Gracie Hawkins, figure skater Kim Wilson and gymnast Kaelem Welsh all travelled to Queensland to compete in national events.

Ta’leah O’Brien travelled to the Gold Coast for the Asia Pacific Grand International as part of Synergy Cheer and Dance Tasmania; and Riley Su and Daniel Thomson travelled to Launceston in October to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics Australian National Games.

Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas says the fund is an important initiative which helps to enhance pride in our community, and in each other.

“It has been incredible watching and meeting the inspiring, determined and committed