#SUMMERofATHS returns with Canberra Grand Prix

With the respective state championships now done and dusted, athletics in Australia takes a national focus as the #SUMMERofATHS Grand Prix in Canberra is set to host a number of athletes chasing qualifying standards and form ahead of the nationals

With just 20 days until the Australian Athletics Championships begin at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, Olympic sprinter Ella Nelson (NSW) makes her way back to Australia to compete in the 100m and 200m in the nation’s capital after another stint with her training squad ALTIS in North Phoenix, Arizona (USA).

The meet will include a number of world-class match-ups across the weekend, including a rare duel between Nelson and Rio 400m semi-finalist Morgan Mitchell (Vic) who will also compete in the half-lap event.

Local sprinter and 100m national record holder Melissa Breen is also on the 200m entry list, while the 100m hurdles is also loaded with former Olympic champion Sally Pearson (Qld) continuing her comeback from injury against Michelle Jenneke (NSW) and the in-form Brianna Beahan (WA).

Entry lists and timetables are now up for the meet that will be held at the AIS Athletics Centre, Canberra on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March, see below.

ENTRY LISTS

TIMETABLES

Another event with good depth is the men’s 800m that will see equal national record holder Alex Rowe (Vic) square off with training partner Peter Bol (WA), Josh Ralph (NSW) and MTC athlete Jordan Williamsz (Vic).

The entry lists also include Jack Hale (Tas), Luke Stevens (Vic), David McNeill (Vic), Nicholas Hough (NSW), Anneliese Rubie (NSW) and Linden Hall (Vic) as well as Paralympic medallists such as Scott Reardon (ACT), Isis Holt (Vic) and Ella Pardy (WA).

While most athletes will use the opportunity to chase a London 2017 world championships qualifier, it won't be a concern for shot putter Damien Birkinhead (Vic), pole vault Kurtis Marschall (SA) or javelin thrower Hamish Peacock (Tas) who have all already have the qualifier.

The Saturday night session also features the national 5000m Open Championships, which will see the likes of marathoner Jess Trengrove (SA) match-up against 10,000m champion Bridey Delaney (NSW) among others.

It will be the last competitive hit-out for most of these athletes before the senior upcoming Australian Athletics Championships which begin in Sydney on Thursday 30 March.

Stay tuned for a more comprehensive preview of the #SUMMERofATHS Grand Prix shortly - stay up to date on how to follow the live action by subscribing to the Athletics E-News.