PRESS RELEASE: ELITE PARAS – THE LARGEST STAGE FOR AUSTRALIA’S BEST
At Run the Tan 2026, the spotlight doesn’t just shine on speed, it shines on strength, resilience, and world-class performance.
In 2026, the Elite Para event once again brings together the largest and most prominent gathering of elite para-athletes on the Australian calendar.
With 18 athletes entered, the field represents the very best of Australian para-athletics, competing head-to-head on one of the most iconic courses in the country.
A Race Like No Other
3.8 kilometres.
One lap.
One climb.
No hiding.
Athletes compete under the internationally recognised Multi-Class Scoring (MCS) system, creating a fair and highly competitive contest across classifications.
The result? A genuine race.
Where performance defines the outcome.
Athletes to Watch
This year’s field features a powerful mix of established champions and emerging stars:
Michael Roeger – Two-time Paralympic medallist and current all-time Run the Tan Para record holder.
Jaryd Clifford – A global force returning from injury, using Run the Tan as a key step in his comeback.
Angus Hincksman – Fresh off a T38 1500m world record at the Australian Athletics Championships.
Reece Langdon – Paralympic medallist from Paris and former world record holder.
Annabelle Colman – Highlighting the strength of the women’s field. World champs medallist 2025 and T20 Women’s 5000m world record holder set at the Australian Athletics Championships.
Chasing the Benchmark
The standard is set by Michael Roeger, whose 10:56 (T46, 2025) stands as the all-time benchmark. In 2026, that benchmark becomes part of the race itself.
The Top 10 all-time performances will be displayed live on the Tan’s digital clocks, giving athletes a real-time target as they race.
Every move.
Every split.
Measured against history.
Not just racing each other — but chasing a place on the leaderboard.
All-Time Top 10 – Elite Para (Run the Tan)
Rank Athlete Class Time MCS% Year
1 Michael Roeger T46 10:56 34.51% 2025
2 Jaryd Clifford T12 11:09 34.05% 2021
3 Deon Kenzie T38 11:37 34.00% 2021
4 Reece Langdon T38 11:17 33.64% 2024
5 Annabelle Colman T20 13:28 32.56% 2025
6 Angus Hincksman T38 11:59 31.70% 2025
7 Daniel Milone T20 12:08 30.96% 2024
8 Will Short T13 12:26 30.59% 2025
9 Leo Reeve T37 13:03 30.58% 2025
10 Laurence Tod T20 12:22 30.39% 2025
👉 Full rankings: https://runthetan.net/hall-of-fame/top-para/
A Global Standard for Inclusion
Run the Tan is one of the only events in the world to offer equal prize money for elite para-athletes, thanks to our sponsor of this event Kofkin, Bond & Co.
It is not symbolic.
It is structural.
And it matters.
For athletes like Jaryd Clifford: “What makes Run the Tan special for para-athletes is that we’re treated equally. Same course, same crowd, same prize money. There aren’t many events in the world that do that. It’s a proper race, and coming back from injury, this is exactly the kind of stage you want to be on.”
Driven by Purpose and Recognised at the Highest Level
For Founder Darren Templeton: “From day one, Run the Tan has been about creating a platform where elite para-athletes are recognised and rewarded equally. We continue to set the standard for how elite para sport should be showcased: integrated, competitive, and valued equally. Not as an add-on, but as a core part of the event. The fact that we now have a Top 10 leaderboard and athletes chasing records shows how far the sport has come.”
More Than a Race
The Elite Para race is not separate. It’s central.
With thousands of participants and spectators lining the course, these athletes compete on one of the most visible and energetic stages in Australian running.
Performance. Recognition. Belonging.
On Sunday, 26 April, they’ll line up again.
18 athletes.
Australia’s best.
The largest stage in the country.
Ready to race.
History is in play.
🏁 Equal prize money
📊 Live leaderboard
📍 3.8km. One lap. No hiding.
Come down to cheer on and support these amazing athletes as they tackle the iconic Tan Track to strive for excellence and set new benchmarks. Free for spectators!
Or better still, register in the public community event to get amongst the action.
👉 Register now – www.runthetan.net
