Athletics Australia News – Australia to join the world at 2012 Chiba Ekiden Relay

Australia will look to continue its strong tradition of success at the Chiba Ekiden Relays next month when a green and gold contingent of six battle it out with some of the world’s best distance running nations across the 42.195km event.

Set to make her debut in the event is Kaila McKnight (Vic), who progressed to the women’s 1500m semi-final at the 2012 London Olympic Games. She will be joined on the female side of the draw by 2009 IAAF World Championships representative Victoria Mitchell (Vic) and IAAF world cross-country championships starter Celia Sullohern (NSW).

The 2011 Victorian 5000m champion, Sam Crowther (Vic) is set line-up alongside his male teammates Mitchel Brown (Vic), who placed second at the City2Surf earlier this year, and Australian debutante Scott Vance (Vic).

Lauren Crowe (NSW) and Hugh Williams (NSW) will travel as reserves, while Clare Burton fills the role of team leader and Rod Griffin and Harold Francis as team coaches.

As three-time winner of the men's event (1991, 1992, 1995), Australia has a strong history of success at the Chiba Ekiden Relays. Since the introduction of the revised format in 2007, when the race became a mixed gender event with a single title up for grabs, Australia has placed seventh on three occasions (2007, 2009, 2010), sixth in 2011 and scored its highest finish to date in 2008 when it crossed the line in fifth.

The running order, and the distance in which they will compete, will be finalized following the team arrival in Japan.

2012 Chiba Ekiden Relays
Chiba, Japan
November 23 2012

Women (4):
Victoria Mitchell
Kaila McKnight
Celia Sulohearn
Lauren Crowe

Men (4):
Sam Crowther
Mitchel Brown
Scott Vance
Hugh Williams 

Athletics Australia News