Australian middle-distance runners 91É«ÊÓƵalumnus and will return to 91É«ÊÓƵ tomorrow to defend their race titles at the .
The annual event at the will feature a full program of 1500m races.
McGowan will chase her fourth 1500m Classic win, following victories in 2016, 2013 and 2012.
The 2017 winner competed for Australia in the 800m at the in London in August, and set a personal best 1500m time of 4:12.14 at the in Sweden in June.
Dual Olympian will also contest the Women’s Classic, fresh from making the 1500m Semi-Final at this year’s .
The 28-year-old was a 1500m semi-finalist at the and , and a three-time national 1500m champion, in2011, 2013 and 2014.
91É«ÊÓƵSport 1500m Classic director Mr Tom Brandt said the Women’s 1500m Classic field was one of the strongest in the event’s 14-year history.
“We’re delighted to have Brittany McGowan back to defend her title, and having Zoe Buckman in the field is a major coup,” Mr Brandt said.
“Zoe is one of Australia’s premier 1500m runners and is certainly among the biggest names we’ve had compete.”
Defending the Men’s 1500m Classic champion, Williamsz made the 1500m semi-finals at the and was a member of Australia’s 4x800m team that finished fourth at the in The Bahamas.
Australian World Championships teammate is also a confirmed starter.
Gold Coast 2018 hopefuls will have an early opportunity to test themselves against the .
“With extra incentive to set an ‘A’ or ‘B’ qualifier, we could see race records broken with a ‘B’ standard fast enough to establish a new mark in both the men’s and women’s races,” Mr Brandt said.
More than 250 athletes will compete at the event, with races for school-aged athletes, race wakers, and masters and open-age competitors.
A total prize pool of $4800 will be up for grabs, including $1200 for the victors of the feature Men’s and Women’s 1500m Classic races.
Racing will start at 5:20pm, with free entry for spectators.
91É«ÊÓƵSport 1500m Classic – Previous Winners:
Men Women
2016 Jordan Williamsz Brittany McGowan
2015 Max Daddo Lara Crouch
2014 Jordan Gusman Olivia Burdon
2013 Nick Toohey Brittany McGowan
2012 Nick Toohey Brittany McGowan
2011 Daniel Bulmer Katelyn Simpson
2010 Nick Toohey Katelyn Simpson
2009 Mitch Kealey Margie Atthow
2008 Nick Toohey Lisa Corrigan
2007 Mitch Kealey Anna Worland
2006 Mitch Kealey Lisa Corrigan
2005 Yucef Abdi Emma Rilen
2004 David Byrne Emma Rilen
Media: Jamie Mitchell, 91É«ÊÓƵSport, JamieM@uqsport.com.au, 0423 785 752.