Sydney Track Classic: 3000m Previews

21 March 2024

The men’s and women’s 3000m National titles at the Sydney Track Classic on Saturday are two of the feature events. They are the first National titles this year to be held on the track and they have attracted terrific fields, particularly in the women’s event.

Why are the races important?

They attract ‘D’ level World Athletics points towards an athletes’ 5000m ranking.

A key selection event for the World U20 Championships.

WOMEN

Jessica Hull starts favourite to defend the title she won last year in an Australian record and Allcomers mark. Her recent fourth at the World Indoors flagged her as competitive with the very best. The race is also a good barometer for the National 5000m championship in April which looks to be one of the races of the meet. New Australian 10,000m record holder, Lauren Ryan, has confirmed she will compete in the National 5000m in Adelaide and will certainly be a test for Hull and the field.

The battle for the podium at the Sydney Track Classic will be intriguing. Here are the contenders, their State, PB and their credentials (noting 3000m PBs are not necessarily relevant as they rarely run the distance):

•  Izzi Batt-Doyle (SA, 8:51): It is uncertain if Izzi can hold on to a marathon spot for Paris, so this is her next best option - the same event she made her Olympic debut in Tokyo. Her second at the Maurie Plant meet to Rose Davies was impressive – a four seconds PB for her first sub-15 minute run.
• Rose Davies (NSW, 8:44): Enjoyed her best 5000m year in 2023 and took that form into the Maurie Plant Meet with a 10 seconds PB and the #4 Aussie all-time.
• Jenny Blundell (NSW, 9:08): After making the 1500m semi at the Rio Olympics, in Tokyo she just missed the 5000m final. Her 6th in the Maurie Plant 5000m race in 15:24 was promising.
• Other dangers: Amy Bunnage (VIC, 8:51; see juniors below), Linden Hall (VIC, 8:50), Genevieve Gregson (QLD, 8:45), George Griffith (debut) and Maudie Skyring (VIC, 8:50).

U20 Women

This race is one of the key selection events for the world juniors, Amy Bunnage, who was selected for the last world juniors, but withdrew, is the favourite here, flying in from Stanford.

Others in the hunt include: Ada Rand (NSW, 9:30), Piper Gay (VIC, 9:22), Kobie Walker (QLD, 9:35) and Mia Toohey (NSW< 9:42).

MEN

Queenslander Jude Thomas chases a three-peat and brings into the race his best ever form following PBs at 1500m, 5000m and steeplechase in recent weeks. BUT that may still not be enough to hold off Cam Myers, Matt Ramsden and others.

• Jude Thomas (Qld, 7:47) – Won this title in 2022 and 2023 and this summer set PBs at 1500m, 5000m and steeplechase.
• Cameron Myers (ACT, 7:52) – Progressed a lot since his 3000m PB 12 months ago, so anything is possible with his 3:32 1500m speed.
• Matthew Ramsden (WA, 7:35) – has the fastest time in the field and this is his perfect distance. 1500m places for Paris will be at a premium so this looks his best hope and he showed tremendous 5000m form at Maurie Plant clocking 13:17.
• Other dangers: Callum Davies (QLD, 7:55), Zach Facioni (VIC, 7:46), Sam McEntee (VIC, 7:41), Haftu Strintzos (VIC, 7:56) and Dave McNeill (VIC, 7:39).

EVENT PROFILE:
What: Sydney Track Classic

Where: ES Marks Field/Sydney Athletics Field, Kensington, Sydney

Date: Saturday 23 March 2024

Time: Gates open 3pm, Pre-event Program 4-5pm, Main Program 5.30-7.30pm

Tickets: https://www.ticketebo.com.au/athletics-nsw/sydney-track-classic-2024

More information: https://www.nswathletics.org.au/events-page/sydney-track-classic/

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Izzi Batt-Doyle, Rose Davies, Jessica Hull and Lauren Ryan (image courtesy of David Tarbotton)