Aussies to take on England in lead up to London

(Tuesday, 2 December 2008)

Australian stars including Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker and 100m hurdles silver medallist Sally McLellan look set to take on England’s best in an ‘Ashes’ style athletics challenge commencing next year and continuing in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Elite teams from England and Australia will go head to head next September (Saturday 19 September) at Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside, the venue which hosts the world’s largest half-marathon, the Bupa Great North Run.

It will be the first time the two nations have met in a dual athletics meeting at senior level.

The innovative event, the Great North ‘City Games’, will take athletics ‘to the streets’ with a specially constructed four-lane two hundred metre sprint track. The venue will host sprints, sprint hurdles, pole vault, high jump and shot put whilst a one mile street circuit will be able to cater for middle-distance events.

The concept was tested earlier this year in conjunction with the Bupa Great North Run, and was extremely popular amongst spectators, athletes and television alike, with world 100m champion Lauryn Williams (USA) and Great Britain’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey emerging victorious.

The event is a legacy from the HBA Great Australian Run and will continue the evolving partnership between event organisers Nova International and Athletics Australia.

Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker said he was looking forward to the chance to showcase his skills on the streets.

“There has always been a strong rivalry between England and Australia – in athletics and all other sports. The whole concept is fantastic, the country v country format doesn’t happen that often in athletics and to have this in the lead up to London 2012 is great
news.”

“Street pole vaults are very popular in Europe. It’s fun for both the athletes and the spectators and it reaches a broader audience.”

Hooker also highlighted that there was a one-day international cricket match between the two nations just prior to the meet next year, “maybe we can go and support the cricketers and they can come and watch us."

With thanks to Athletics Australia.