2025 Women Top Picks

Who will take out the inaugural Run The Loop? While anything can happen in a race, read below to hear about our top picks.

1. Caitlin Adams (Western Districts)

As a two-time national representative in cross country and one time on the road, Adams brings class and experience to this field. She is one of the most consistent runners the state has seen, and the 2.2km gravel loop has been her home training ground for countless hours over the past decade.

With scorching PBs of 4.15 in the 1500m and 8.55 in the 3,000m, not only will Caitlin be gunning to win the inaugural event, but she'll also be aiming to put down a time that stays at the top of the RTL 2.2km leaderboard for a long time. You'd be courageous to bet against Adams over an event that lasts less than 7 minutes.

2. Amelia Sheridan (Adelaide University) 

Milly is a 13-year-old who clogged up the highlight reel in 2024. It began with a state U14 3,000m record (9.42 in a winter track meet), followed up with a national XC title in Launceston. In December, she was one of the stars of the All-Schools Championships in Brisbane. Milly ran 4.24 for the 1500m to win by 12 seconds (and would have won every age group that weekend), claiming the SA record in the U14, U16 and U18s with that performance. She also claimed silver in the 800m (2.12, also a state U14 record). 

Is it too much to think she has a chance to win the inaugural RTL event on Friday night? It is a tough assignment, but one thing that can be guaranteed is that Milly will be racing with that smile of enjoyment like we quickly have become accustomed to the past year.

3. Hannah Tourneur (Flinders Athletics Club)

One of the most versatile, up-and-coming middle-distance runners with great balance, strength and speed. In the last two All-Schools championships, Hannah has managed to win the 1500/3000m double (U16 & U17 age groups). The Flinders star has continued to improve every year, and she has a great tactical mind and knows how to win races. Hannah can push the pace or wind it up late with that eye-catching, powerful, long stride!

The 16-year-old had a 1500m PB of 4.28 and a 3,000m PB of 9.39. The 2.2k distance will absolutely suit her. If she's there with 400 to go, watch out for that powerful kick!

4. Tara Palm (Adelaide Harriers)

For at least two decades, Tara has been a presence in distance running in SA. Recent years have seen Tara shift to the roads, where last September, she ran her Marathon PB (2.32 in Berlin). This RTL event will be within the training block for another marathon in a few weeks' time in Japan, where she will be looking to better her PB. However, with PBs of 9.11 (3,000m, 2019) and 15.38 (5,000m, 2019), her track pedigree is undeniable. 

If the race turns out to be a strength affair, expect Tara to be on the podium. The fact that she is bolstering the quality of this field during her current marathon block and supporting running events in SA is why Tara is one of the jewels of SA distance running

5. Emma Henkel (Adelaide University)

The teenager from Kersbrook has turned some heads, especially on the track this last year. With PB's of 25.7 (200m), 56.7 (400m), & 2.09 (800m), the leg speed on Henkel is unmatched in this field. However, her best national race results have actually come over the 1500m (4.29 for silver in the U18 national titles in April, then silver again in 4.29 in a kick down at the recent Brisbane All-Schools Championships). This versatility earned Henkel a Full Scholarship to West Michigan University, beginning later this year.

Anyone who saw Henkel's finish down the home straight of Colley Reserve as the runner in Red in the women's 800m (Bay Sheffield) would realise they need to make the race quick. Otherwise, that Kersbrook talent and grit we've seen so often in 2024 will surprise the favourites.

Written by Michael Nitschke

Full elite Women's field: