Adelaide to host distance duel to mark the start of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series

Adelaide is set to host the heavyweights of Australian middle-distance running, with Olympic finalist Peter Bol ready to make his return to the Australian athletics scene alongside teen prodigy Cameron Myers at the Chemist Warehouse Adelaide Invitational on February 10.

Marking the start of the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Summer Series, Bol and Myers, along with Olympian Jye Edwards will begin their Olympic year in style taking on the 1500m as they ramp up the intensity ahead of the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne just days later.

Teen sensation Myers closed off his breakthrough year in the spotlight, globally known for setting world age best times over the 3000m, 1500m and Mile and hitting the 1500m qualifying standard for the Olympic Games at the Silesia Diamond League at 3:33.26 – all while juggling high school.

Although his quest lies in nailing his biggest year yet, with both Year 12 and international opportunities at the Olympic Games and World Under 20 Championships on the cards, the prodigious talent has turned his attention towards the Adelaide meet – where he hopes to ignite his campaign against steely competition.

“I’m really looking forward to the 1500m in Adelaide. It’s a good field that they’ve put together and should be a great race to really start the Australian season,” Myers said.

“Adelaide is the first of a good series of race meets before Nationals back in Adelaide in April, and it should give everyone a chance to be at their best.”

Stepping up in distance as a part of his training strategy ahead of the Olympic Games, Bol brings more star power to the race, with all eyes on the Olympic finalist as he looks to emulate his 3:34.52 best, while Edwards returns to racing for the first time since July 2023 looking to prove himself as he makes a bid for his second Olympic Games.

National champion Callum Davies and rising star Jude Thomas will add further depth to the field, while the distance duel is also set to continue in the Men’s 800m with Australian record holder at 1:43.99, Joseph Deng stretching his legs over two laps.

While the talented half-miler will toe the line as the favourite to win, the Queenslander will be challenged by 2023 World Athletics Championships teammate, Riley McGown as well as domestic talents Jack Lunn, Jye Perrott and Lachlan Raper.

The Chemist Warehouse Adelaide Invitational is a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meet, providing a key qualification opportunity for athletes vying for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and those seeking crucial World Athletics ranking points.

The meet is supported by FIVEaa and Four Pillars Gin, and part of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series. Further local support has been generously provided by City-Bay Run Trust, Copyworld Toshiba, Des’s Minibus, LK and Chaffey Bros Wine Co.

Tickets can be purchased HERE. Use the code FAST1500 for 20 per cent off tickets until 11.59pm ACDT on Sunday, February 4.

Full entry lists are now out for the Chemist Warehouse Adelaide Invitational which can be viewed HERE via Roster Athletics.

The Chemist Warehouse Adelaide Invitational will begin at 6.30pm ACDT on Saturday, February 10 at SA Athletics Stadium in Mile End, followed by the Oceania and Australian 20km Race Walking Championships taking place on Sunday, February 11.

The meet will be streamed live and free on 7plus.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 3/2/2024