The Morton Stadium in Santry is to host an international track and field event on the eve of the London 2012 Olympic Games.  The event will take place on the evening of Wednesday 25th July and will feature the Morton Mile as well as men’s and women’s 100m, men’s 400m hurdles, top class 800m races for men and women, the Albie Thomas 3,000m, pole vault, long jump and more.
As many as 150 international athletes are expected to attend including many from Ireland and overseas who will be taking part in the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The event takes place two days before the official Opening Ceremony in London.
This will be the only international track and field event in Dublin in 2012 but will also serve to whet the appetite of fans and potential commercial partners ahead of the 2013 hosting at the same venue of the European Team Track and Field Championship first league.
The event was unveiled yesterday by international Irish athlete Mark Kenneally, who travels to Helsinki this week to take part in the European 10,000 metres, before representing Ireland in the Men’s Marathon at the London Olympics on August 12th.
‘The event will be the premier track and field meet in Dublin this year and will provide a great opportunity for the Irish public to see some of our Olympians and Paralympians in action,” said Sports Minister Michael Ring.  “It’s also an excellent send-off for everyone competing at the London Games. We can all take a sense of honour and pride from the achievements of our elite athletes. The hard work, commitment and dedication behind their success serves to inspire, encourage and raise our spirits.”
“Events like this have numerous benefits including the promotion of Ireland on the world stage,” added Cian O’Callaghan, Mayor of Fingal.
Over the years the Morton mile has attracted some of  the world`s best middle distance athletes including John Walker, Steve Scott, Steve Ovett, Eamonn Coghlan, Frank O`Mara, Marcus O`Sullivan, Ray Flynn and Niall Bruton. The event organisers have already received expressions of interest to take part from athletes from countries including the US, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Latvia, Jamaica, the UK as well as Ireland.
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