Hunter Track Classic - Gregson to headline men's 1500m

A fantastic field has been assembled for the men’s blue ribbon 1500m event for the Hunter Track Classic to be held on the 21st of January. 

21 year old Australian Record holder for 1500m at 3:31.06 (Monaco 2010) Ryan Gregson leads the charge in his bid to secure a 2012 Olympic spot for London. 

Gregson is currently preparing for the season at altitude in Falls Creek (Victoria) and says he is looking forward to his return to competition in Australia kicking off in the Hunter. “I have not run in Australia since my pretty good 2010 season which included winning the 800m in the Hunter” he says. “I am looking forward to returning the Hunter as it is a great place to start out my racing season and hopefully get the ball rolling for the races after that” he continued. 

While Gregson may start as favourite in the race he will meet stiff opposition from training partners Jordy Williamsz (Victoria) and Brett Robinson (ACT). Like Gregson, Williamsz and Robinson are with Australia’s elite training at altitude at Falls Creek and are both returning the Hunter Track Classic for the third time. 

“I really enjoy the meet” said Robinson, “because it is held at a smaller venue it feels like there is a massive crowd which creates a great atmosphere” says Robinson who currently boasts a 1500m PB of 3:40.41 at age 20. “The last 2 times I raced there I ran PB’s so I am hoping to run another PB and break 3:40 this time” he said. As the winner of the Zatopek Classic 1500m in December Robinson could definitely be one to watch. 

Jordy Williamsz is yet to turn 20 yet he too boasts a 1500m PB of 3:40.96 and an 800m PB of 1:47.33 making him an exciting prospect for the future. “I have run 2 PB’s in 2 years at the Hunter over 800m and am looking forward to taking these boys down this year” he said with a smile, referring to Gregson and Robinson. Williams appears relaxed enough and states it does not bother him to race his first race of the season straight off altitude training and will base the rest of his season on his performance at the Hunter. 

The men’s 1500m has also attracted international athletes with Nick McCormick (31) of Great Brittan who will race in the Hunter; “I am planning on running really hard in the Hunter” says McCormick, “my aim is to run around 3:38 then I know I am in shape to run the Olympic Qualifier of 13:20 for 5000m in either Hobart of Melbourne a few weeks later” he explained. 

Add to the field the current World University 800m Champion Lachlan Renshaw, current New Zealand 1500m champion; Hamish Carson, Australian 800m Champion James Kaan and World University representative James Nipperes the men’s1500m will certainly be an exciting race.

Event organisers have programmed the 1500m as the final event of the Hunter Track Classic and will allow all spectators to come out onto the track in order to create something special. “Having the crowd close will be a lot like competing in Europe  where the atmosphere can be a huge benefit” concludes Gregson. 

The Hunter Track Classic will be held at the Hunter Sports Centre on Saturday 21st January. For more information visit the website at www.huntertrackclassic.com.au