Athletics Australia – Hunter Track Classic just over a week away

With such a strong Irish influence at this year’s Hunter Track Classic, you could be forgiven for thinking St Patrick’s Day has come two months early.

Headlining the Irish hopes is Paul Robinson who returns to the Glendale track following his impressive 1500m win in 2013 (3:42.54). Robinson is an international middle distance runner full of class and with a big future ahead.

In recent years he has chosen to spend the Irish winter training and racing in Australia, alongside his Melborune Track Club teammates, utilising the excellent facilities at Falls Creek and taking part in domestic events such as the Hunter Track Classic.

Having set personal bests in 800m, 1000m, 1500 and the mile, as well as representing Ireland at the recent IAAF World Championships in Moscow, the past 6 months have been a high point in Robinson’s career.

This year he will take on a strong field in the 3000m which is the final event of the program, and sure to be one of the highlights of the 2014 event. Robinson ran 8:01 as his best time in 2013.

Joining Robinson on the start line in this year’s 3000m will be countrymen Mark Hanrahan (PB 8:01), who is the current Irish 5000m National Champion. He has also represented his country at European Cross Country and European Cup Events.

“From the guys I’m training with up in Falls Creek, they have been telling me that its a great spot and that the region has a massive running community. I will try to run as many races as possible while I’m here, over 1500m and 5000m. I will be looking to run a standard for the European Championships in August," Hanrahan said.

Completing the Irish track trio is Laura Crowe, current Irish 1500m National Champion (also the girlfriend of Hanrahan).

Since becoming a full time athlete 12 months ago Crowe has shaved huge margins off her personal bests for 800m (2:00.93) and 1500m (4.12.06), as well as competing at Diamond League and European Cup meets.

“Never in our wildest dreams would we have thought this time last year, after taking time out from our other careers, that we would be in this position and training with the best in the world," Crowe said.

Crowe will be up against some stiff competition in the Hunter Track Classic women’s 1500m with Olympic and World Championships representatives Eloise Wellings (PB 4:13.63), Kaila McKnight (PB 4:05.61) and Kelly Hetherington (PB 4:10.55)  lining up for what will also be one of the not to miss events at this year’s Track Classic.

"In Ireland at this time we would be starting our indoor season so it's very exciting to start our outdoor season so early. It would be great to get some early standards for our Europeans Champs so we can have the best preparation possible for peaking in August," Crowe added.

A big part of the reason for Crowe’s recent success has been the guidance & mentorship of Nic Bideau (Melbourne Track Club) and one of Ireland’s greatest ever athletes Sonia O’Sullivan (5000m silver at Sydney Olympics).

O’Sullivan will also be in Newcastle to speak at a 'Women in Running' afternoon tea (17th Jan),  as well as headlining a new community running event called the Twilight 2 Miler (Friday 17th Jan).

The two-mile street race will act as a curtain raiser to Saturday night’s Hunter Track Classic.

Tickets for Hunter Track Classic via www.huntertrackclassic.com.au or at any Greater Building Society branch.

With thanks to Dave Robertson and Scott Westcott

Athletics Australia