Perth Track Classic set to ignite the West in March 2025

A red-hot line up of international track and field stars and homegrown talent will arrive in the West early next year for the highly anticipated return of the Perth Track Classic.

Upgraded and reimagined as a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meet, the Perth Track Classic will take place in the midst of the Australian domestic season on Saturday, 1 March, with the best athletes from across the globe mixing it with the cream of Australia’s crop.

Perth locals and athletics fans will have the chance to cheer on their hometown heroes who dazzled on the global stage in Paris, and witness the rising stars of tomorrow, many of whom made headlines at the World Under 20 Championships and have gold firmly on their minds as the runway to the Brisbane 2032 Games continues.

Olympic champion and Perth’s own Nina Kennedy said she is looking forward to seeing a home crowd embrace high quality competition at her local track at WA Athletics Stadium.

“I have travelled around the world for athletics, but I’m not joking when I say Perth is one of my favourite places to compete and jump! I’m pumped for the crowd to experience our top quality Aussie athletes who have competed at that Olympic and Paralympic level. Athletics is just an amazing sport and events like the Perth Track Classic are a great opportunity to showcase our sport to the country,” Kennedy said.

The World Athletics Continental Tour is one of the world’s premier track and field series, with the bronze level meet offering prize money and world ranking points which assist athletes in their quest for qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, taking place in Tokyo in September.

Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth emphasised the significance of the revival of the meet.

“We’re incredibly excited to travel to Perth again, with athletics growing rapidly in the west thanks to the likes of global medallists Nina Kennedy, Kurtis Marschall and Rhiannon Clarke. While the meet is still in its early stages, it will offer a world-class platform for athletes to showcase their talents and for fans to experience top-tier competition in their own backyard.

Echoing Hollingsworth’s comments, Athletics West CEO Vince Del Prete said he is also eager to see local talent shine on home soil.

“This is more than just a track meet – it’s a celebration of Perth’s rich sporting culture and just how much the local community is embracing Australian athletics. The energy and excitement this event brings will inspire athletes and fans alike.”

The event is proudly backed by the Western Australian Government, through Sport and Recreation and Venues West, with WA’s Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman stating:

“After seeing so many Australian athletes do their country proud in Paris, the WA Government is thrilled to throw their support behind next year’s Perth Track Classic, which promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“WA athletes provided some of the absolute highlights of the Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris, highlighted by Nina Kennedy’s gold medal as well as outstanding performances from the likes of Rhiannon Clarke, who broke four Australian records among her two top-five finishes, and Kurtis Marschall who placed sixth in the world.

“These three athletes in particular have honed their craft at the WA Athletics Stadium, and we can’t wait to see the stars of today and tomorrow push for qualification at the 2025 World Championships at our world class venue.”

More information, including tickets, will be released soon, with athlete announcements to come in the following months.

WHAT: Perth Track Classic – a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meet

WHEN: Saturday, 1 March

WHERE: WA Athletics Stadium – Floreat, WA

WHO: The stars of Australian athletics against some of the very best in the world. Stay tuned for athlete announcements.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 18/9/2024