Entries are now officially open for the 2026 Strait Link Burnie 10, with Burnie to be set to welcome a swell of runners during this extraordinary running boom on Sunday October 25.
Recognised as Australia’s Premier Community Running Event, the Strait Link Burnie 10 will return for its 42nd edition this year and once again host the Australian Athletics National 10km Championships, bringing the nation’s best distance runners to Tasmania’s North West Coast.
The event enjoyed a major resurgence in 2025, with more than 3,000 participants taking part — the biggest field seen since 2014 — and organisers are expecting even greater numbers this October.
The event program again features three races:
- The Strait Link 10km
- The Elphinstone Group 5km
- The Liv Eat Kids Dash
Race Director Richard Welsh said the Strait Link Burnie 10 continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Australia’s iconic road running events.
“The Strait Link Burnie 10 is much more than a race — it’s a community celebration that brings together elite athletes, first-time runners, families and volunteers in an atmosphere that is uniquely Tasmanian. Everyone shares the same start line, course and finish line, regardless of pace,” Welsh said.
“To again host the Australian Athletics National 10km Championships is a huge honour and recognition of the quality of the event, course and community support we have here in Burnie.”
Welsh said organisers were determined to continue building the event for both elite and recreational participants.
“Whether someone is chasing a national title, a personal best, or simply enjoying the atmosphere with friends and family, the Strait Link Burnie 10 offers an experience unlike any other. A scenic course, which involves so many people in the community, with a chance of a fast time and to be a part of such a rich history”
Major naming rights partner Strait Link will again support the event in 2026.
Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Gruebner said Strait Link was proud to continue backing one of Tasmania’s most recognised sporting events.
“As a business that connects Tasmania with the mainland every day, we understand the importance of bringing communities together.
“The Burnie 10 has become part of the fabric of the North West Coast community and Strait Link is proud to continue supporting an event that promotes health, connection and regional Tasmania,” Gruebner said.
“The atmosphere around Burnie each year is fantastic, and we’re excited to again stand alongside the Burnie 10 team and see thousands of people of all ages and abilities take part.”
One of the event’s enduring legends, Gerard Leary, said the event’s unique spirit had kept him coming back for all 42 editions.
“The Burnie 10 has always had something special about it,” Leary said.
“I’ve seen generations of runners come through the event and the community support has never changed. It’s one of the great traditions on the Tasmanian sporting calendar.”
Entries for the 2026 Strait Link Burnie 10 are now open here.