By all accounts the venue was a triumph, and particular thanks for that should go to the grounds staff at Christ’s College, Graeme Harrex of Timaru, and the Athletics Canterbury officials Andrew Reese, Don McKenzie, and John McBrearty.

We will be publishing full race reports soon, the Christchurch Press reports of the meet are available here.  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/6370084/Valerie-Adams-cheers-Christs-crowd, http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/6370088/NZ-heptathletes-shot-best-boosts-Olympic-hopes

Full results of the meet (provisional at this stage) are available here. http://www.athletics.org.nz/CANTERBURY/Resource.aspx?ID=13867

Organisers of the International Track Meet, being staged on the grass track at Christ’s College in central Christchurch on Feb 4^th, announced today that Olympic silver medallist Nick Willis will step back in time to run a handicap 2-mile race at the meet, against world class opposition. 

This innovative yet historic event, which mirrors one of the races held at the meet at Lancaster Park 50 years earlier in which Peter Snell broke the world records for 800m and the half-mile (880yds), is another way that NZ’s premier international track and field event is to celebrate the historical factors associated with the anniversary weekend.

The handicap format is one commonly used in athletics in the 1960’s, as well as in cycling and road running events.  In a reverse-grid type format, slower athletes start at regularly spaced intervals, before the big names take off last and try to chase them down.  With Willis in the final “scratch” bunch will be some of his Michigan-based training squad, American stars Will Leer & Brandon Bethke and US-based Briton Lee Emmanuel.  Lined up in their sights will be American Patrick Tarpy (to be fair, once a 3min54 miler in his own right) and the cream of NZ-based middle distance runners including national 3000m steeplechase champion Brett Tingay, former national cross-country champions Alex Parlane of Auckland & Andrew Davidson of Canterbury, and Otago’s Caden Shields.  The crowd can expect some exciting close-quarter racing as the field comes together in the last couple of laps.

Willis stated today that he was really looking forward to coming back and competing in Christchurch following the cancellation of last year’s meet after the earthquake, and was particularly looking forward to running on grass in true “old-school” style. “I’ve trained on grass my whole life, I never trained on a synthetic track until I went to the States, and I can’t wait to now get the chance to run in a professional meet on grass just like they did back in the day” said Willis today.

Meet organisers are continuing to add athletes to event fields, and are expecting a packed house for the intimate venue.  Holders of tickets to the ill-fated 2011 event will be able to have those tickets redeemed at the gate, pre-sales are available at various sports stores and council leisure venues in the city, or online at www.internationaltrackmeet.co.nz. Gates will open at 3pm for a 4pm start to the meet.

For further information on the meet or the charity luncheon to be held on Friday the 3^rd of February, commemorating the 50^th anniversary of Snell’s world records, go to the event website www.internationaltrackmeet.co.nz.

Nikki Hamblin, dual Commonwealth Games silver medallist, headlines the field for an exciting new addition to the International Track Meet, New Zealand’s premier athletics meeting, to be held in Christchurch on February 4^th. Hamblin, New Zealand’s premier athlete at 800 and 1500m, will contest the Brian Taylor Memorial 3000m, named in honour of Canterbury coach Brian Taylor, who lost his life in the February earthquake. 

The ITM announced today that Hamblin will race a strong field including Canterbury’s Fiona Crombie. Both had strong links to Taylor, and have committed to the race to honour his legacy at the meet’s historic revival on the grass of the Christ’s College track.

Taylor was well renowned as a middle-long distance coach, particularly of female athletes, which is why it is appropriate that the event to carry his name should be the women’s 3000m.  Taylor was a strong proponent of the methods pioneered by legendary Kiwi coach Arthur Lydiard, who coached Peter Snell and Murray Halberg to Olympic glory. The International Track Meet will also be a celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Snell’s world 800m/880yds records, set on grass at Lancaster Park in February 1962.

Hamblin, silver medallist over 800m and 1500m at the Delhi Commonwealth Games and the current New Zealand 3000m champion, won the 800m at the International Track Meet at QEII Stadium in 2009 and was to attempt the New Zealand mile record at the 2011 meet, which was cancelled in the wake of the February earthquake.  She said of her intention to compete in the 2012 meet, “I’m looking forward to kicking off my 2012 campaign in Christchurch. Brian Taylor was a truly passionate distance running coach who helped me in 2006. I can’t think of a better way to honour his memory than by competing in his race.”

Crombie has been an ever-present competitor at the ITM, and is current New Zealand champion over 3000m steeplechase.  In 2011 she represented New Zealand at the World Cross Country Championships and the Chiba International Road Relay, and is targeting selection to the London Olympics in the steeplechase. She also competes for Taylor’s old club, University of Canterbury.

One of the stated purposes of holding the International Track Meet at Christ’s College, adjacent to the heart of Christchurch’s devastated central city, is to demonstrate that the city is still capable of hosting international sporting events.  The charity luncheon at the Christchurch Casino on the preceding Friday will celebrate the 50^th anniversary since Snell’s contribution to Canterbury sporting folklore. At the same time, the February 4 timing puts the event close to the first anniversary of the tragic February 22 earthquake, The Brian Taylor Memorial 3000m will be the sport’s tribute to those in the city whose lives have been affected, focused on the memory of Taylor, who was Director of King’s Education, and died when the CTV Building collapsed.

Taylor’s lifetime contribution to Canterbury and New Zealand athletics included many years from 1968 on as a Canterbury track and cross-country representative, dedicated work as one of the region’s best coaches, and service on Athletics Canterbury and as Chair of the Christchurch Marathon Trust.

 For further information on the meet and charity luncheon, go to the event website www.internationaltrackmeet.co.nz.

On behalf of the International Track Meet, we would like to express our deepest concern and sorrow for all those in Christchurch and around New Zealand who have been affected by the Christchurch Earthquake on Feb 22nd.  In the context of those families who have lost loved ones, their homes, and treasured possessions, the cancellation of the Track Meet pales into insignificance.For those of you outside Christchurch we can advise that QEII Stadium suffered significant damage with the track broken up and extensive liquefaction. However, quite apart from the damage to the stadium and Christchurch hotels & infrastructures, it would not have been possible or appropriate to bring athletes & visitors into Christchurch under those circumstances, and we were relieved that athletes were yet to arrive in Christchurch. It was with great regret that the event had to be cancelled.Thank you for supporting our event, an enormous amount of work went into bringing it together, and we received support from people all over the world, and we are confident that collectively we had created something very special.  We are pleased to confirm that all ticket purchasers (where we have your details) will be sent via post a copy of the current vo2max magazine that was to be given away at the gate. This edition features an excellent preview of the International Track Meet.We would like to express our admiration and appreciation to Nick Willis, his training squad, and the people of Wellington who organised and supported the “Track Meet 4 Christchurch” with 3 days’ notice, and staged the replacement medal ceremony and a top class meet, and most importantly raised a phenomenal $20,100 for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Three of our organisers were invited to make the trip and it was a privilege to see Nick receive his Olympic Medal. Thanks Wellington.Over the past three years, we have put an enormous amount of effort into building an event that is sustainable and will have a long term future on the New Zealand sporting calendar that will add value and benefit to our current and future athletes.Our vision, enthusiasm and determination is unwavering. The International Track Meet is owned by the International Track & Field Trust, which has a mandate to ensure the continuity of the meet to provide opportunities for the future of developing New Zealand athletes. We are determined to hold an International Track Meet in 2012.

We are currently assessing the financial position of the 2011 meet to establish the full extent of our existing commitments and where the event stands financially. Despite this we are offering our valued meet and coaching seminar ticket holders the following options.

Please advise us of your preference before the 31st of May 2011 – after this time any remaining tickets will be assumed to be held for entry to the 2012 meet.

1. Donate your ticket refund to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund (receipts issued)

2. Donate your ticket value to the International Track and Field Trust to assist with future sustainability of the meet (receipts issued)

3. Full refund (nett of any credit card or courier fees if applicable)

4. Retain ticket for entry into the 2012 International Track Meet (tickets fully transferable)

While we have details of ticket holders who purchased online there will be a delay accessing and verifying ticket purchases from QEII Stadium, Smiths Sports Shoes and Shoe Clinic.

Due to the above delays in accessing information and the fact that we will be honouring 2011 tickets in 2012 we ask that if you would prefer any of the first three options that you return your tickets along with details of your preference and how we can refund your money if applicable (either by electronic transfer or cheque) along with current postal address for any receipts due.

Please post tickets to:

International Track and Field Trust
PO Box 31041
Ilam 8444
Christchurch
If you have any further questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact Leyton on either leyton@internationaltrackmeet.co.nz or 021 719 900.

On behalf of the International Track Meet and our valued sponsors we extend our sincere sympathy and regards to the people of Christchurch and everyone who has been affected by the earthquake. We hope that you and your family are safe & well, and look forward to bringing you an exciting event in 2012.

Kind regards

International Track Meet Team

For those of you outside Christchurch we can advise that QEII Stadium suffered significant damage with the track broken up and extensive liquefaction. However, quite apart from the damage to the stadium and Christchurch hotels & infrastructures, it would not have been possible or appropriate to bring athletes & visitors into Christchurch under those circumstances, and we were relieved that athletes were yet to arrive in Christchurch. It was with great regret that the event had to be cancelled.

Thank you for supporting our event, an enormous amount of work went into bringing it together, and we received support from people all over the world, and we are confident that collectively we had created something very special. We are pleased to confirm that all ticket purchasers (where we have your details) will be sent via post a copy of the current vo2max magazine that was to be given away at the gate. This edition features an excellent preview of the International Track Meet.

We would like to express our admiration and appreciation to Nick Willis, his training squad, and the people of Wellington who organised and supported the “Track Meet 4 Christchurch” with 3 days’ notice, and staged the replacement medal ceremony and a top class meet, and most importantly raised a phenomenal $20,100 for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Three of our organisers were invited to make the trip and it was a privilege to see Nick receive his Olympic Medal. Thanks Wellington.

Over the past three years, we have put an enormous amount of effort into building an event that is sustainable and will have a long term future on the New Zealand sporting calendar that will add value and benefit to our current and future athletes.

Our vision, enthusiasm and determination is unwavering. The International Track Meet is owned by the International Track & Field Trust, which has a mandate to ensure the continuity of the meet to provide opportunities for the future of developing New Zealand athletes. We are determined to hold an International Track Meet in 2012.

We are currently assessing the financial position of the 2011 meet to establish the full extent of our existing commitments and where the event stands financially. Despite this we are offering our valued meet and coaching seminar ticket holders the following options.

Please advise us of your preference before the 31st of May 2011 – after this time any remaining tickets will be assumed to be held for entry to the 2012 meet.

1. Donate your ticket refund to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund (receipts issued)

2. Donate your ticket value to the International Track and Field Trust to assist with future sustainability of the meet (receipts issued)

3. Full refund (nett of any credit card or courier fees if applicable)

4. Retain ticket for entry into the 2012 International Track Meet (tickets fully transferable)

While we have details of ticket holders who purchased online there will be a delay accessing and verifying ticket purchases from QEII Stadium, Smiths Sports Shoes and Shoe Clinic.

Due to the above delays in accessing information and the fact that we will be honouring 2011 tickets in 2012 we ask that if you would prefer any of the first three options that you return your tickets along with details of your preference and how we can refund your money if applicable (either by electronic transfer or cheque) along with current postal address for any receipts due.

Please post tickets to:

International Track and Field Trust
PO Box 31041
Ilam 8444
Christchurch
If you have any further questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact Leyton on either leyton@internationaltrackmeet.co.nz or 021 719 900.

On behalf of the International Track Meet and our valued sponsors we extend our sincere sympathy and regards to the people of Christchurch and everyone who has been affected by the earthquake. We hope that you and your family are safe & well, and look forward to bringing you an exciting event in 2012.

Kind regards

International Track Meet Team

Salazar will be attending the International Track Meet to watch his young charge, Galen Rupp, attempt the New Zealand Allcomers record for the 10,000m set by Dick Tayler in winning the gold medal at the 1974 Commonwealth Games at the same venue. Salazar is best known to New Zealanders as an endurance athlete himself, winning the New York Marathon three times in succession from 1980 to 1982, sharing the winner’s rostrum in 1981 with New Zealander Allison Roe, who won the women’s race.  He also won the Boston Marathon in 1982, in the famous “Duel in the Sun” with compatriot Dick Beardsley. Salazar dominated the US road running scene around that time, and went on to win the 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa in 1994.  He now coaches a number of elite American athletes, including Rupp, US mile record holder Alan Webb, and double Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein, 9^th in the marathon at Beijing, 2009 World Half Marathon Championships bronze medallist and US record holder for 5000m.

The seminar, held in conjunction with the Bill Richards Marathon Trust, has been shifted from the Sunday morning after the event to 6pm the Friday night before, and will have a presentation as planned from iconic University of Michigan team mentor Warhurst. Warhurst is well known in this country as the coach of Olympic 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis, and is also responsible for training many top marathoners including Boston Marathon winners Greg Meyer (1983, 2hr09) and Lisa Weidenbach (1985, 2hr33).  Following a short refreshment break, Salazar will then lead a further session, after which the two will combine on stage for a question & answer panel session.

The international relay events will be the Men’s and Women’s 4x400m relays, featuring teams from Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. The New Zealand teams will involve North Island vs South Island selections and promote the traditional inter-island rivalry. New Zealand has some very good, young 400m runners progressing through the grades including 3 of the team who were 3rd at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Pune, India in 2008 and are now all progressing to senior ranks.  Australia has a strong history in relay running, and are sending 2 male and 2 female teams from their high profile development squads. The New Caledonia team will be chasing a National Record.

There is also the added incentive for the Kiwis in the race of the possibility of qualifying a New Zealand team for selection for the World Universities Games in China in August. Many of these athletes are now in tertiary education and eligible for these games – which are the second biggest multiple sports games behind the Olympics.

One of the major purposes of the International Track Meet is to develop local talent, and to provide a pathway through the sport for our budding stars of the future.  To achieve this, the international programme will also include a series of 4x100m relay races for boys and girls aged between 10 and 14,  as well as the ever popular Secondary Schools Mile Relays.  These were among the biggest crowd pleasers in 2009, and are back on the programme for 2011.

The meet will also include newly crowned Halberg Awards Sportswoman of the Year winner Valerie Adams, taking on all comers in the shot put, including the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Men’s shot put bronze medallist Dale Stevenson of Australia, and decathlon silver medallist from New Zealand, Brent Newdick. Also in the field will be the 2009 and 2010 winners, Jerram Huston & Tom Walsh, and 1996 Olympic Games representative for Samoa, Chris Mene.

Rupp, who has a career best 10,000m time of 27:10.74, is likely to shatter the New Zealand Allcomers record, set by Dick Tayler on that unforgettable day in 1974 when he captured the hearts of the nation in racing to victory on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games at the same venue.  Tayler’s time of 27min46.4sec from 37 years ago is still the fastest 10,000m ever run in New Zealand and ranks as the 5^th best all time by any Kiwi athlete.  It even stood the Games record right up until 2002, when it was broken by just 1 second, by Kenyan Wilberforce Talel.

American marathon legend Salazar first noticed Rupp when he set junior national and American high school records, and as his coach has ensured his talent has been realised. The 24 year old Rupp made his global senior debut at the 2007 World Championships finishing 11^th in the 10,000m then finished 13^th at the Beijing Olympics, and 8^th at the 2009 World Championships. He lowered his personal best to 27:10.74 in May last year.

Top competition is expected from the leading male distance runners in Australia and New Zealand, many of whom will be preparing for the World Cross Country Championships in Spain four weeks later.  There will also be several athletes on both sides of the Tasman looking for an opportunity to chase the 2011 World Athletics Championships qualifying standards of 27:40 (A) or 28:00 (B), after humid conditions prevented fast times at the Zatopek 10,000m in Melbourne in December.

The Supporters Club 10,000m – made possible by special support from Nike and from athletics enthusiasts associated with the meet through the new Supporters Club framework – will be the last event on the programme, which also features New Zealand sporting heroes Valerie Adams, Nick Willis and Nikki Hamblin who will all face top class international competition.  Event director Craig Motley said “This is an exciting opportunity to see a truly world class distance runner in action. By scheduling the race at the end of the programme, in the early evening, we should have the best possible chance of cooler calm conditions which will help with fast times”.

As previously reported, Willis will also be the subject of an historic ceremony at the commencement of the meet, in which his newly minted Olympic Silver Medal will be formally presented by representatives of the New Zealand Olympic Committee – probably the only time in history an Olympic medal will be presented on New Zealand soil.

Willis finished third in the glamour event of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, but was subsequently upgraded to second following the disqualification of the gold medallist, Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain.

The original silver medal that arrived had previously been presented to second place finisher Asbel Kiprop of Kenya, and showed signs of wear. NZOC asked the International Olympic Committee to mint a new silver medal for Willis which was subsequently done.

While the medal arrived in NZ in mid 2010, Willis had expressed the wish to be presented with the medal in front of a home crowd.

Willis was delighted when the presentation ceremony details were confirmed.

“Having the medal presented here will be a great honour. Considering the circumstances that have led to this point, I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the experience I had that night in Beijing.

“To share the medal with the country is what motivated me down that home straight run, and now I get to share the medal ceremony with everyone back home”, he said today.

Willis will compete in his favoured 1500m distance at the Christchurch meet with the aim of securing a qualifying time for the world championships in Korea this August

The ITM, which has already secured New Zealand’s top track athletes, Nick Willis and Nikki Hamblin, will feature the unusual all-comers shot event, which has in the past also involved Super 15 players and radio callers.

Australian Dale Stevenson, who set a new PB of 19.99m at Delhi and will throw the men’s 7.2kg shot, will provide some decent competition for Adams, who will throw the standard 4kg women’s shot in the mixed competition.

ITM organisers are also hoping to secure the Junior World Champion Jacko Gill to compete against Adams in a unique competition.

Stevenson says he’s aiming to throw 20.5m by the season’s end so should be pretty close to Adams, who regularly cracks the 20m mark.

Adams missed the first ITM, in 2009, because of a lack of notice and was absent in 2010 because it clashed with the indoor season.

“I’m very excited about coming to Christchurch – I love competing there and that’s where I first broke the 20-metre mark,” said Adams.

Meet director Craig Motley said: “Valerie is unquestionably the most successful New Zealand athlete of the past decade: it will be a great treat for the fans to not just see her, but have a chance to compete against her”.