Saturday 13th June will see the return of the Le Chéile International for its 2nd Edition. Last year’s event, staged on a balmy June evening, produced some spectacular performances including a sub 50 second clocking in the 400m Hurdles, and no fewer than three athletes dipping under the magical 4-minute mile barrier. This season’s event, again staged in conjunction with the Irish Miler’s Club, promises to be bigger and better and sees the return of many of the 2014 winners to the Leixlip venue.
Thomas Barr certainly lived up to his ever-improving reputation last year, staving off tough opposition from Australia’s Ian Dewhurst to win the Men’s 400m Hurdles in 49.90secs. He will return to defend his title in 2015 facing strong opposition from, amongst others, British No. 1 Niall Flannery. This year, the Women’s 400m Hurdles has been added to the International programme and Jessie Barr, Thomas’ older sister, will line up alongside Britain’s Meghan Beesley and Vera Barbosa of Portugal, both of whom were ranked in Europe’s top 8 last season.
As for the middle distance events, there will be International fields in both the Men’s and Women’s 1500m. The Women’s race promises to be one of the most competitive on Irish soil this summer. Irish Champion, Ciara Mageean, takes to the start line with two Le Chéile winners from 2014, Laura Crowe, who won over 800m last year, and Maria McCambridge, who captured the 1500m. In the Men’s field, John Travers returns to Le Chéile after the most successful year of his career in 2014. He will be joined on the start line by Britain’s Tom Lancashire, who boasts a Personal Best of 3.33 for the Metric Mile.
As well as the International events, there will be a full programme of graded events, organised and run by the Irish Miler’s Club. Famous for their legendary efficiency and time-keeping, the Miler’s will invite entries for the following events in early June: 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Putt. These events will cater for male and female athletes of all levels.
The Le Chéile International kicks off at 6.00pm on Saturday 13th June and will once again be free of charge for all spectators. So why not come along and witness what promises to be a great night of athletics?
Full details are available at www.lecheileac.com/international