The 2026 Leonora Golden Gift Finals provided another strong day of elite middle distance racing on Leonora’s famous high street, with Peter Paul and Clara Diess taking the coveted elite men’s and women’s titles respectively.
Men’s Elite Mile: Paul’s win
Peter Paul won the men’s elite mile final in superior style. The Olympian and Australian 800m record holder has long been one of the most compelling athletes on the local scene, and his win in Leonora adds to that reputation.
Luke Shaw ran strong in second, while Tom Moorcroft took the podium in third. Max Shirvington finished fourth ahead of Jonah Hanekeri in fifth, with Kieran Tibbals, Josh Nervoort and Liam Dardingo completing the field.
Final results of the men’s Elite Mile
- Peter Paul
- Luke Shaw
- Tom Moorcroft
- Max Shervington
- Juna Hanikiri
- Kieran Thibault
- Josh Nervoort
- Liam Dardingo
Women’s Elite Mile: Dis takes the gold
In the elite women’s mile, Clara Diess crossed the line first to claim the title, edging out Natalie Rule in second. Maddy Luscombe took third place ahead of Hannah Doyle in fourth, with Missy Hehir rounding out the top five. Quinn Bandaraj finished sixth, followed by Isabella Nervoort in seventh and Ava Debritz in eighth.
Final results of the Women’s Elite Mile
- Erase it
- Natalie base
- Maddy Luscombe
- Hannah Doyle
- Missy Hehir
- Quinn Bandaridge
- Isabella Nervoort
- Ava Debritz
