Strintzos smashes race record to become first Australian winner of ASICS Gold Coast Marathon in 20 Years

Haftu Strintzos

Haftu Strintzos produced one of the greatest performances in the history of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, smashing the course record by 73 seconds to win the 2026 title in a blistering 2:06:20.

The 26-year-old Victorian eclipsed the previous race record of 2:07:33, set by Japan’s Yuki Takei just 12 months ago, while also setting new Oceania and Australian records after eclipsing Andy Buchanan’s previous Australian and Oceania record set in Valencia in 2024 (2:06:22).

The history making performance on the Gold Coast saw him become the first Australian man in 20 years to win the prestigious event since Lee Troop’s famous victory in 2006.

Today’s win caps one of Australian athletics’ most remarkable journeys. Born in northern Ethiopia, Strintzos spent his early childhood as a shepherd before meeting Australian aid worker Maria Strintzos, who would later adopt him and bring him to Melbourne.

Having never been introduced to running before arriving in Australia, Strintzos discovered the sport through Little Athletics after encouragement from a primary school teacher.

He went on to earn a scholarship to Victoria’s Haileybury College before developing into one of Australia’s premier distance runners at Villanova University in the United States, representing Australia at the Oceania Championships and World Cross Country Championships.

He claimed victory in the Southern Cross University 10km run on the Gold Coast in 2024 and set the tone for his history making win with victory in this year’s Launceston Half Marathon where he set a new Australian All Comers record (1:00:41).

Today that extraordinary journey came full circle. Stopping the clock at 2:06:20, Strintzos didn’t simply win Australia’s premier marathon – he rewrote its history, ending a two-decade wait for an Australian men’s champion.

Collapsing to the ground after crossing the finish line, an emotional Strintzos said:

“It hasn’t quite registered yet, I’m sure it will soon. It’s quite a memorable moment, a breakthrough moment for me.

“I’ve been working hard for this, grateful for all the support I’ve got. Super excited and more to come.

“I felt pretty good by about 30km, I want to give a shoutout to the pacers, they were spot on with their pacing.

“I discussed with my coach Adam prior to the start of the race, depending on how I felt at the 30km mark to just go for it and take my chances and whatever happens, happens.

“I knew I had it in me and it was a matter of when – not if, and this was a perfect opportunity for it with a top field.

“The crowd and energy were amazing. The last 10km was ecstatic, the energy of the crowd was incredible.”

Japan’s Hidekazu Hijikata finished second in 2:07:20 – also finishing under the former race record – after staying with Strintzos until the northern turn (36.6km), before the Australian broke away to secure a commanding victory.

“I wanted to take first place, so a bit disappointed about the second place, however this is my second-best time ever, so the way I handled the race itself I am quite satisfied,” Hijikata said.

“The crowd was cheering for the Australian very loud, the loudest crowd I have ever raced in front of. So I just needed to focus on myself. He [Strintzos] made a move and that decided the result.”

Fellow Japanese runner Jinya Ozaki completed the podium in 2:07:48 in his first ever marathon, continuing Japan’s affinity with the race which saw the nation claim seven of the top 10 places across the line.

“This was my first Gold Coast Marathon. It was good conditions. I will be back next year,” Ozaki said.

Hidekazu Hijkata (2nd), Haftu Strintzos (1st) Jinya Ozaki (3rd)

 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon