Athletics Australia – News – Birmingham wins 3000m in Rieti

The strength of Collis Birmingham (Vic) across 3000m has continued in Rieti (ITA) this afternoon, with the two-time Olympian clocking 7:37.77 to win the men’s 3000m.

Birmingham’s performance is his second fastest ever across the distance, with his personal best of 7:35.45 coming at the DN Galan in Stockholm (SWE) just a few weeks ago.

Led out by pacemakers Elijah Chelimo (KEN) and Geofrey Barusei (KEN), Brimingham was led through 2000m by Olympic 5000m bronze medallist Thomas Longosiwa (KEN, 7th, 7:49.19).

Birmingham then stormed home to take out the race ahead of his American training partner Bobby Curtis (USA, second, 7:43.65, PB) and Conselus Kipruto (KEN, third, 7:44.09).

He said: “[I thought] if I ran well I’d have a chance to finish high up in the race or even win."
 
“I would have liked to hang in (behind the pace maker) for longer”
‘I was surprised I so easily opened up a gap."

“I was worried they could reel me in, but I managed to hold them off.”

Birmingham runs his final race next week in Newcastle, United Kingdom before heading home to prepare for the Australian domestic season.

In other Australian results at the Rieti Meeting:
–       Jeff Riseley (Vic) clocked 1:46.79 to finish 5th in the men’s 800m as Taoufik Makhloufi (ALG) won in 1:43.74.

–       Zoe Buckman (ACT) placed 6th in the women’s 1500m, crossing the line in 4:12.88.

To view and download full results, please follow this link to the Rieti Meeting website.

Athletics Australia – News