The Hobart Track Classic will return to Tasmania this weekend after a decade-long absence, bringing 18 Olympians to compete at the Domain Athletics Centre.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Engagement and Sport Rob Fairs said the event’s return was “incredibly exciting” as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour.
“The Tasmanian government is proud to back this event, helping bring Olympians, Paralympians and our rising local stars to compete in Hobart,” Fairs said.
The meet will run from 5pm to 9pm on Saturday at the Domain Athletics Centre, forming part of a four-city series leading to the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney.
Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth described the lineup as “unprecedented” for Tasmania.
“Australian athletics is on the rise and the talent pool is deep,” he said.
“This is absolutely the most beautiful track in Australia.”
“I can say as a former athlete that I spent many hours training and competing here and I know every inch of this track and I love it and it’s so great to bring international athletics back to this track and what a line-up we have.”
The event will feature Olympic bronze medallist Matthew Denny in discus at 5:30pm, while Australian 800m record holder Peter Bol will compete against strong opposition.
Local sprinter Jack Hale will race fellow Tasmanian Olympian Jacob Despard in the men’s 100m.
“To come out and be able to run in front of family and friends is unbelievable,” Hale said.
The meet also includes National Open Championships in the men’s and women’s 3000m events, the first time these titles have been held in Tasmania for 25 years.
Hollingsworth said crowds would be crucial for securing future events. “We’d love to see in excess of 2000 people,” he said.
Commonwealth Games selection is on the line, with the Glasgow event scheduled for July.
