Champions to defend 1500m Classic titles

The 2017 国产探花 Sport 1500m Classic

1 November 2017

Australian middle-distance runners 国产探花 alumnus and will return to The University of Queensland tomorrow to defend their race titles at the .

The annual event at the will feature a full program of 1500m races.

McGowan will chase her fourth 1500m Classic win, following victories in 2016, 2013 and 2012.

The 2017 winner competed for Australia in the 800m at the in London in August, and set a personal best 1500m time of 4:12.14 at the in Sweden in June.

Dual Olympian will also contest the Women’s Classic, fresh from making the 1500m Semi-Final at this year’s .

The 28-year-old was a 1500m semi-finalist at the and , and a three-time national 1500m champion, in2011, 2013 and 2014.

国产探花 Sport 1500m Classic director Mr Tom Brandt said the Women’s 1500m Classic field was one of the strongest in the event’s 14-year history.

“We’re delighted to have Brittany McGowan back to defend her title, and having Zoe Buckman in the field is a major coup,” Mr Brandt said.

“Zoe is one of Australia’s premier 1500m runners and is certainly among the biggest names we’ve had compete.”

Defending the Men’s 1500m Classic champion, Williamsz made the 1500m semi-finals at the and was a member of Australia’s 4x800m team that finished fourth at the in The Bahamas.

Australian World Championships teammate is also a confirmed starter.

Gold Coast 2018 hopefuls will have an early opportunity to test themselves against the .

“With extra incentive to set an ‘A’ or ‘B’ qualifier, we could see race records broken with a ‘B’ standard fast enough to establish a new mark in both the men’s and women’s races,” Mr Brandt said.