The June 3 Tasmanian Running Festival, which incorporates 10 kilometre, 5km and 2km races, was officially launched on Wednesday with Evans and 19-year-old Hobart runner Meriem Daoui named 2018 ambassadors.

The four-time defending Point to Pinnacle champion said he is coming off a spell and is building towards a big back half of the year.

“I’ve just started back into a program and I’m working towards bigger goals,” Evans, 25, said.

“It’s going to be a good stepping stone. My break has been about three weeks and I’ve had a really slow build back into things will some low-mileage jogging so it will be interesting to see how I go.

“I’ve been running about 50 kilometres less than I normally would a week.

“I’m hoping to have my first crack at a marathon.

“I’ll do the Gold Coast half-marathon and then look at other events like national cross-country and a few other road races.”

Evans was injured for last year’s race and spent his summer trialing for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – producing a 5000m personal best 14:15.56 at the Hunter Track Classic in January.

He finished the Launceston 10 in 29 minutes and 53 seconds two years ago as the first Tasmanian and eighth overall, a feat he is looking to improve on in four weeks’ time.

“I aim high so I hope to run around 29.30 to 29.45,” Evans said.

“Patrick Smith and Douglas Hamerlok are running really well at the moment and will be my two main Tasmanians rivals.”

The Brooks High School teacher said he is looking to use his role as co-event ambassadorship to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle.

“My whole focus is getting people out and being active and using it as an opportunity for people to build on skills and building that whole comradeship of doing something as a team,” he said.

“Especially getting school groups involved doing a run together.”

Daoui is the Tasmanian women’s favourite after crossing the line sixth overall 12 months ago in 34.39 and winning this year’s Cadbury half-marathon.