Commonwealth Stars Set for Belfast International

Athletics Northern Ireland

Athletics Northern Ireland are delighted to confirm that nine of Team NI’s Commonwealth Athletes will be competing at the Belfast International Athletics Meet at the Mary Peters Track on Wednesday 2nd July 2014.

Organised by Athletics Northern Ireland with support from Belfast City Council, the event will see Northern Ireland’s Commonwealth athletes compete against world class athletes from across the UK, Ireland and further afield. 

Key Competitors 

Local athletics fans will be able to see Team NI stars in action including Zoe Brown (Pole Vault), Amy Foster (100m), Katie Kirk (800m), Christine McMahon (400mH), Peter Glass (Decathlon), Jason Harvey (400mH), Daniel Mooney (1500m), Leon Reid (200m) and Ben Reynolds (110mH).

A highlight of the event will be the Men’s 1500 metres with an impressive international line-up already confirmed. Northern Ireland Commonwealth athlete, Danny Mooney, will be going head to head with top Australian Commonwealth athletes Ryan Gregson and Collis Birmingham. Australian 1500m record holder, Gregson, will undoubtedly be a dominant force in the race; the London Olympics semi-finalist recorded a very fast 3 minutes 36.17 seconds in May. In addition to the antipodean challengers, English Commonwealth athlete Andy Vernon will be in the running as he takes to the line against Birmingham and Gregson in both the 1500m and 5000m. St. Coco’s Paul Robinson will lead the Irish challenge and with a SB of 3.36.45 will no doubt be to the fore.

John Allen, General Secretary of Athletics Northern Ireland, said:

“On the 2nd July the Mary Peters Track will host world class athletes and as an organisation Athletics Northern Ireland relishes the opportunity to welcome them to the home of Athletics in Northern Ireland. Many of the Northern Irish athletes competing will be in the final stages of their training ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Taking place just three weeks ahead of the Games this will be the last chance for local athletics fans to cheer on their favourite Northern Irish athletes before they depart for Glasgow.”

All the Action Kicks off

The Belfast International Athletics Meet will commence on Wednesday 2nd July at 6.30pm with public access to the Mary Peters Track from 5.00pm. Additional car parking will be available at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park from 5.00pm. Admission is £5 per person and includes a commemorative programme, for Under 18s admission is free.