<15.01.2008> Briggs Athletics Classic - Distance Running Preview


15 Jan 2008

 

Briggs Athletics Classic – Fastest ever 1500m set to take place in Tassie on Friday
 
On June 5, 1976, Tasmanian Randall Markey ran 3.39.98 for the 1500m.  This still stands as the Tasmanian record, however was performed in New Zealand, as the magical barrier of 3min 40sec has never been bettered in Tasmania.  
 
The great Tasmanian miler is not alone, as the Tasmanian Allcomers record of 3.41.74 was set by Paul Hoffman in 2007.
 
At the Briggs Athletics Classic in Hobart this Friday night, three men who have previously ran under 3minutes 40seconds will toe the line in the Pace Financial Services Men’s 1500m.  Those being two-time Australian 1500m Champion Lachlan Chisholm, World Cross Country representative Michael Shelley and Mitch Kealey.  Also in the field will be Zatopek 1500m winner last month Nick Bromley and Irishman David Campbell.
 
Chisholm, the winner of the Burnie Mile on New Years day, can’t wait to return to the same track that he won the Australian All Schools title in 1997, especially being in the shape he is in.  “I won the 1500m at the Sydney Track Classic on Saturday night, unfortunately I ended up 30m in front as the competition wasn’t great.”  
 
Competition won’t be a problem come Friday night for Chisholm, as Queensland youngster Mitch Kealey is in great form, having broken the 3.40 barrier a couple of times in Europe last year.  “I hear Mitch is keen to hit 3.37 or 3.38, which is what I am in shape for.  So depending on what happens in the race and of course the weather, it will be fast.”
 
At last years Briggs Athletics Classic, a new Tasmanian Allcomers record was set by Paul Hoffman at 3.41.74.  If all goes according to plan, that is about to be re-set and Chisholm is excited about the prospects of being the fastest metric miler that Tasmania has seen.  “It’s great to get a record anywhere and a Tasmanian Allcomers record is great to have for the pride and confidence.”
 
Also lining up in the Men’s 1500m will be Tasmanian Distance star Grant Page who is in the shape of his life after running brilliantly to take out the Latrobe mile on Boxing Day.  He will be joined by the winner of the Devonport 800m Tom Beard and the man who came second to Craig Mottram over the mile in Devonport, Alex Spinks.
 
The Run For Your Life 5000m is also set to be a cracker of a race, featuring defending champion and recently crowned Australian 10,000m Champion Collis Birmingham up against former Australian 5000m record holder Lee Troop and Australian 3000m Champion Mark Tucker.
 
Birmingham’s personal best which he set in Hobart last year of 13.34 was just shy of the B-qualifier for the World Championships in Osaka and the Ballarat boy will be out to better that and record a time swift enough to get him to Beijing in August.  The B-qualifying mark is 13.28.00 which if any athlete betters will also be the fastest ever performed in Tasmania.  The VIS athlete has a phenomenal record in Tasmania, where he has won the 2007 Briggs Athletics Classic 5000m, 2006 Burnie Ten and the 800m/1600m double at the 2006 Devonport Gift
 
Lee Troop is one of Australia’s greatest distance runners.  He is a dual Olympian in the Marathon and will become a triple Olympian in August, after recording an A-qualifier at the Berlin Marathon in 2007.  ‘Troopy’ also is no stranger to Tasmania, after winning the Australian Cross Country Championships in Pontville in 2006 and regularly having training stints with friends and family in both Hobart and Launceston.
 
No doubt one of the most popular athletes in the ‘Asics Fanzone’ with the kids after her race will be hometown hero Donna MacFarlane.  She will step out in the Maxis Women’s 3000m against World Junior Mountain Running Champion Lara Tamsett of Sydney.
 
After running an A-qualifier in her pet event (3000m Steeplechase) at the Briggs Athletics Classic in Hobart last year, organisers have put on a flat 3000m race for the Tasmanian record holder at the event, providing spectators with 7 ½ laps of the Domain to cheer the states number 1 athlete on.
 
The Women’s 800m was one of the best races on the program in 2007 and this year is set to be a scorcher.  Tamsyn Lewis will return to Hobart and will go head to head with Australian silver medalist Madeleine Pape and 2005 Australian 800m Champion Katherine Katsanevakis.  
 
Tasmanian starlet Nicole Perry will add depth and intrigue to the field, as the events reputation grows after the success of last years event.  Joining her in the field will be AT/TIS scholarship holder Kate Pedley making a much anticipated return to the track, along with rising star Jess Morey.
 
The Men’s 800m will have the Australian Under 20 Champion Matthew Gibney and the Under 18 Australian Champion James Kaan.  A good mix of local interest is also on the start list with Mike Bond who has returned from college in the USA, who will be accompanied by recently announced AT/TIS Development Squad athletes Dom Anastasio and Nathan Morey.
 
If you have an interest in distance running, do not miss the competition on Friday night.
 
The weather forecast is for mainly fine and 25, perfect to bring a picnic hamper and sit on the hill at the Domain Athletics Centre, with competition running from 5:45 – 8:45.
 
Tickets available from Athletics Tasmania www.tasathletics.org.au, associated clubs and Centretainment.