ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, G0 - THE 2015 HUNTER TRACK CLASSIC

The 2015 Hunter Track Classic – the Hunter Region’s premiere athletics event, is set to return to the Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale on Saturday 31 January.

At the official event launch held on Tuesday at the Hunter Sports Centre, a number of new events for 2015 were confirmed including a Men’s Wheelchair Magic Mile and a Men’s and Women’s 2x100m Relay.

Organisers also announced the Women’s 400m will now be known as the ‘Tamsyn Manou 400m’ honouring the champion athlete who has been a big supporter of the meet both as an athlete and commentator.

Greg Meagher, Athletics NSW CEO said: “The Hunter Track Classic has become an important part of Athletics Australia’s National ‘Summer of Athletics’ Tour.” “The only meet in this series to be held in a regional area, 2015 program will feature over 20 track and field events.”

Headlining the ‘Wheelies Magic Mile’ will be Newcastle’s own Paralympic and Wheelchair Marathon superstar Kurt Fearnley. Kurt will be joined on the start line by Canada’s Josh George, the Winner of the 2014 Chicago Wheelchair Marathon and a number of other elite national and international wheelchair athletes, including Athletics Australia’s Male Para- Athlete of the Year, Michael Roeger (SA) who has his sights set on breaking the World Record for a T46 athlete in this race.

Making her return to competition following an amazing 4th place at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is the Hunter’s heptathlon hero Sophie Stanwell. Sophie is looking to compete in the 2015 Hunter Track Classic in a number of events including the shot put and the 200m – an event she has won in 2013 and also in 2014 when she set a new meet record (23.98 -1.6).

The Women’s 800m is shaping up to be a great event with National 800m Champion Brittany McGowan (QLD) returning to defend her 2014 Hunter Track Classic title and Georgia Wassall (Central Coast), the IAAF 2014 World Junior Championships 800m bronze medallist and 2014 NSW Institute of Sport Young Athlete of the Year, making her Hunter Track Classic debut.

Celia Sullohern (Newcastle), winner of the 2015 NSW 15km Championships and the Fernleigh15 and a former Australian Cross Country Champion is another talented local to confirm her participation in the 2015 Hunter Track Classic. Celia will be going to victory in the Women’s 5000m.

Other elite athletes confirmed for the 2015 Hunter Track Classic include:

Hamish Peacock (TAS) – Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Javelin bronze medallist who is returning to Glendale to defend his 2014 title where he threw 79.90m. Hamish will also take part in the warm-up exhibition event, the Precision Javelin where the athlete who can land the spear nearest to the flag wins a cash prize.

Nick Hough (NSW): Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games 4th placegetter 110m hurdles, will look to open his season with a win at the 2015 Hunter Track Classic, and emulate his performances in previous years.

The 2015 Hunter Track Classic will see a return of the very popular community events – Hunter’s Fastest Kids, for athletes aged between 5 and 15 years; as well as the 1000m Challenge – open to all athletes; and an All Stars Coaching Clinic for athletes aged 9-17 years.

Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Cr Jodie Harrison, said the Hunter Track Classic is the region’s largest athletic event and it is exciting for Council to have the opportunity to support an event of this calibre at the Hunter Sports Centre.

“The Hunter Track Classic is a wonderful event, not just for professional athletes but it also encourages novices to get active in our City,” Cr Harrison said.

“Major sporting events such as the Hunter Track Classic are providing increasing economic benefits to the Lake Macquarie and Lower Hunter area. I’m very pleased that Council is able to sponsor this event.”

The 2015 Hunter Track Classic will be live streamed meaning people who can’t make it to the track on Jan 31 can still follow all the action and excitement. The livestream will be proudly presented by F3 Motor Auctions – Presenting Partner of the 2015 Hunter Track Classic Livestream. Colourful local media identities Mossy & Robbo will host the broadcast are also likely starters in the 2x100m Relay on the night!

The 2015 Hunter Track Classic Organising Committee extends a special thank you to: NBN Television, Lake Macquarie City Council, Greater Building Society, Ibis Newcastle, F3 Motor Auctions, Raine & Horne Newcastle, Achieve Financial Group (formerly Lawrence. Rundle and Rapson), as well as the Hunter Sports Centre, NSW Little Athletics and Athletics Australia.

Gates will open at 5pm with the main program starting at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online before the event or at the gate. Ticket prices shall be $18 for gold reserved seating, $12 for Adults and $7 for children (aged 15 or under).