UniSport Nationals Distance Running

UNSW student-athletes produced a number of standout performances over the weekend at the 2026 UniSport Nationals Distance Running Championships, held in conjunction with the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon.

The championships brought together student-athletes from universities across Australia to compete for national honours in the marathon, half marathon and 10km events, while also featuring the Multi-Class 10km competition for the second consecutive year. Racing on the Gold Coast Marathon's renowned fast and flat course provided athletes with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the country's strongest distance runners while representing their universities on the national stage.

UNSW was represented across every championship event, with the marathon producing the University's strongest results. Bella Marles led the way with an outstanding performance in the women's marathon, stopping the clock in 2:57:03 to finish 22nd overall and claiming third overall in the women's UniSport rankings. The result marked a significant milestone for Marles, who broke the three-hour barrier after months of dedicated training. "It was one of the hardest but most satisfying runs I have raced!" Marles said. "I have been working towards sub-three since November 2025 when I ran 3:05, so I was completely stoked to go 2:57!" Amelia Akonnah also impressed over the 42.2km distance, crossing the line in 3:09:28 to finish 32nd overall and sixth female.

On the men's side, Mingjie Pang was the first UNSW athlete home, recording a time of 2:52:05 to finish 15th overall. Zachary Casey also broke the three-hour barrier with a time of 2:59:40 to place 29th, while Campbell Guest completed the course in 3:35:17 to finish 60th overall. Peter Papanikolaou added another determined performance for the UNSW squad, recording a time of 3:49:58 to finish 67th overall, while Declan Wong crossed the line in 4:14:46 to place 84th. Leo Ye was also selected to represent UNSW as part of the University's marathon team across the championship weekend.

UNSW's half marathon contingent also enjoyed a successful outing, led by Jessica Guo, who recorded the University's fastest performance in the event after finishing 40th overall and 16th female in 1:24:02. Kai Seng Yong was the leading UNSW male, crossing the line in 1:32:33 to finish 47th overall, while Emily Cox completed the course in 1:38:08 to place 54th. Khairul Adha Bin Zainal represented UNSW in the men's 10km, producing a strong run to finish 28th overall in 39:25 against a highly competitive field. Oliver Robinson also took on the 10km championship, completing the course in 1:26:17.

One of the University's standout achievements came in the Women's Multi-Class 10km, where Tamsin Colley claimed gold in a time of 56:12. With the Multi-Class division returning for just its second year, Colley's victory highlighted both her outstanding performance and the continued growth of inclusive competition within UniSport Nationals. Reflecting on her achievement, Colley said the atmosphere on the Gold Coast made the occasion even more memorable."The run felt hard, but the atmosphere was incredible with people on the sides cheering and so many people having a great time running," she said. "I felt proud to be running as a multi-class athlete, knowing I would help pave the way for other student-athletes with a disability who want to represent their university in long-distance running."

Across the championships, UNSW was represented by athletes competing in every event on the program, from the 10km through to the marathon. With a national title, multiple top-15 finishes and a host of strong performances against some of Australia's best university distance runners, UNSW once again showcased the strength and depth of its distance running program on the national stage with a second place finish in the women's overall point score.