It had been seven years between runs for Eloise Wellings at the Burnie Ten, but the New South Wales runner made up for lost time by taking out the event on Sunday with a blistering finish.
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The 33-year-old motored home over the final kilometre to win a time of 33:19, winning by 16 seconds from defending champion Victoria Mitchell.
Three-time winner Lara Tamsett was back in third, a further eight seconds behind.
“I think I’ve done it twice before but you would have to have a look at the record books because I honestly can’t remember (the last time I raced here),” Wellings said.
“I knew it would be a tough race with Victoria, and even with Lara coming back I didn’t know what sort of shape she would be in.
“I just tried to bide my time and make sure I finished strong – it’s always hard to finish up a hill when there is a bit of a headwind.
Wellings, Mitchell and Tamsett quickly established their credentials in the first half of the race, breaking away from field.
On the trip home, Wellings happily tucked in behind the pace set by Mitchell and waited to pounce.
“I had a pretty easy ride until one kilometre to go to be honest and I knew if I could do that in sub 3:10 I would be a good chance to take it out.”
Sunday’s result also makes it two wins from as many starts for Wellings, who took out the Melbourne half-marathon last weekend, and admitted to not feeling her best for the majority of the week.